Volunteering for SIGGRAPH Tokyo 2021 Conference (SIGGRAPH Tokyo 2021 カンファレンスへのボランティア)

In recognition of COVID pandemic, we tried to make sure that the conference that was held in Tokyo would be smooth sailing. It was a challenging moment for each and everyone as the conference was done as hybrid. Some of the participants attended virtually and some attended in person. As most of the Team Leaders could not make it to Tokyo due to the restrictions of COVID pandemic, we were still able to manage the distribution of workloads for the entire conference proper. 

Being one of the team leaders and being able to share my experiences with SIGGRAPH with junior volunteers reminded me of the purpose and value of our work for the researchers, participants and computer graphics professionals. We first had our pre-conference meeting to address the important locations of the venue, where the participants are expected to sign up, where the volunteers need to be gathered, how to organize the time schedule for each venue, and many more. 

It was a successful conference filled and loaded with knowledge regarding 3D Computer Graphics and Computer Animation. 

Volunteering for TOKYO2020 - IZU Velodrome in August 2021 (TOKYO2020 ボランティア - 2021年8月 IZUベロドローム)

On June 24, 2021, I received an email notification from TOKYO2020 Organizers for the dates which I could claim my uniforms and accreditation card. 

In August 2021, I started my journey as a Team Lead Volunteer for the roles of Event Services and Venue Communications. We kicked off the day having a meeting with other volunteers and team leaders. We were gathered altogether by the TOKYO2020 staffs and instructed us of the location and map of IZU Velodrome. It was a bit challenging to actually travel to and from the dome without a car but TOKYO2020 Management prepared free buses for us that we could take from common station routes around Shizuoka especially those bus routes going to IZU Velodrome. 

I have met my new friends from Japan and America and they are also Team Leaders gathering other groups of volunteers. This was the photo we took during the men's cross-country mountain biking event from which Tom Pidcock was announced the champion. 

This photo below was taken as part of our team collaboration with the ALSOK Security, they were very friendly and accommodating and lectured us on how to properly manage the queues with spectators and other Olympics participants. 

I had the opportunity to have group photo within our group from different parts of the Velodrome. 

TOKYO 2020 also provided us Visa cards to help us purchase anything that we need as part of our volunteer activities. 

 

In addition to that, we were also given free food vouchers every day for the entire volunteer activity from morning up until evening. 

Overall, it was an exhilarating experience to meet new people across the globe and to get to experience once in a lifetime opportunity such as Tokyo Olympics 2020. 😇

Volunteering for TOKYO2020 - Leadership Training and First Aid Training (TOKYO2020ボランティア フィールドキャスト研修開始)

As for the Leadership training held on May 21, 2021, the expected schedule was also dished out to us to better equip us every single day of the Olympics event.

It was great to be asked which games we are interested to take part in, almost all of us have distinct answers, I personally chose badminton because I loved playing this sports when I was in my elementary days. 

It is important to note that Tokyo Olympics 2020's spirit should be practiced by heart: Respect, Courage, Professionalism and Change. 

As for the First Aid Training held on May 29, 2021, I like the approach of the training as they provided a lot of different scenarios of how we could provide assistance and help to someone in need. An example below shows critical thinking and brainstorming among the volunteer leaders too. In the sample scenario below, we were asked how are we going to handle a situation if we see an elderly man nearby suddenly collapsed. There is no reaction and it looks the mouth is moving but it is not confirmed if he is breathing.

At this point, everyone of us were asked the same question and asked about our insights on how are we going to handle these situations. In order to properly address the situation, the lifesaving guide was introduced to us. We were lectured on the following topics including prevention of cardiac arrest, early recognition and reporting of issues, basic life support such as cardiac resuscitation and AED) and intensive treatment of heart related cases.  

And since COVID was widely spreading during that period, we were also reminded of the important steps of dealing with it when we encounter someone who shows symptoms. 

In addition, Japan Red Cross Society also provided some links for us to review in case we need more information about emergency treatment prevention and Webcross. 

Overall, it was an exciting moment to learn with other volunteers (both international and Japanese participants). We're all looking forward to the much awaited TOKYO2020 Olympics!