Through the Olympic Lens: Lisa Riff's Volunteering Journey

Passion finds its way into every corner of life, and sometimes, it leads us on unforgettable journeys. For Lisa Riff , a Former Pentathlete and Senior Guest Services Representative, that journey took her to the Summer Olympics in Paris as a volunteer with the French Modern Pentathlon Federation. Volunteering at the event allowed her to reconnect with old dreams and immerse herself in the excitement of the Olympic spirit. Her friend and Guest Services teammate, Cole Ensing , sat down with her for a chat about this experience. Here's a glimpse into their conversation.

Lisa, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Originally from France, I relocated to Vancouver in August 2023 on a work-holiday visa. After several years of traveling and moving every 4-9 months, I decided it was time to settle down and find a stable job. I wanted to find a local role that aligned with my passion for sports, and I was lucky enough to be contacted by Arc’teryx after applying to their Bilingual After-Sales Representative position! 

How did your passion for sports inspire you to volunteer at the Olympics?

I started practicing Modern Pentathlon at 14, driven by the dream of becoming the best athlete I could be and eventually competing in the Olympic Games. Although I decided to end my athletic career before reaching that goal, my love for the sport remained strong.

With the Olympics being held in Paris, I knew I would regret missing the chance to be part of such a significant event in my home country. When the chance to volunteer with the French Modern Pentathlon Federation came up, I knew I had to be part of it. Volunteering allowed me to reconnect with old pentathlon friends and support my peers competing at the highest level!

Can you describe the atmosphere in Paris during the Olympics?

The energy in Paris was electric! Despite many Parisians' concerns about chaos, the city came alive with joy and excitement. It was a multicultural celebration and I was particularly impressed by the supportive atmosphere surrounding every athlete competing.

The energy for French athletes was unmatched, with waves of enthusiasm greeting them whenever they passed by. The proximity of the events allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in both the city and the experience. Overall, Paris embraced the Olympics with a spirit of unity and celebration, making it an unforgettable experience!

What were your responsibilities as a volunteer?

I volunteered at Club France, a lively hub where supporters could meet athletes, try out new sports, and enjoy live events. My role was to share knowledge of pentathlon, answer questions, and run a laser-run activity! It was incredibly fulfilling to help visitors engage with the sport I'm so passionate about.

What was your most memorable moment at the Olympics?

Being in Paris during the Olympics was an incredible experience. I was so excited that it took me three days to fully realize the magnitude of where I was! It felt perfect to be there with my family and friends, right at the heart of such a significant event.

The entire city was transformed and fully immersed in the  Olympic spirit. One of my favourite moments was attending the pentathlon events at the Gardens of Versailles.  It was surreal to see the athletes I once competed with now showcasing their skills on the Olympic stage. I also had the chance to reconnect with many people from the pentathlon world whom I had not seen in years.

One standout moment was watching my friend, Elodie, win the silver medal in front of an amazingly supportive 15,000-person crowd. I had never seen so many people cheering for pentathletes before!

How has volunteering at the Olympics influenced your personal and professional goals?

Volunteering reignited my passion for sports and reminded me of the importance of pursuing work that aligns with my values.

Professionally, the experience reinforced my commitment to working in roles that align with my interests and values. It helped show me the importance of pursuing work that not only supports my career development but also aligns with my passion for sports and community engagement.

On a personal level, the joy and fulfillment I felt while supporting athletes and interacting with fellow sports enthusiasts have encouraged me to set new goals for myself. As soon as I came back to Vancouver, I signed up for a half marathon and a marathon with friends. The Olympics motivated me to be part of events that bring people together and celebrate human achievement.

Overall, the Olympics experience has been a powerful reminder of the positive impact that dedication and enthusiasm can have, both on a personal and professional level. 

Does Lisa's story inspire you to carve your own path in our Guest Services team? If it does, head over to our careers page, filter by team 'Guest Services' and explore our open opportunities: https://bit.ly/corporate-opportunities