Reliance on relatives makes for a family affair

As soon as the winter vacation began, Lu Yantong, a sophomore at Beijing International Studies University, packed her bags and traveled with friends to the Olympic Village in Yanqing district to report for work as a volunteer.

In addition to the thrill of serving the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, she feels even luckier because her father is also working in the village.

During the Winter Olympics and the Paralympics, Lu is acting as an external liaison assistant, providing translations, guidance and other services for foreign athletes and members of sporting delegations taking part in the competition.

She is also assisting delegations in matters such as training schedules and daily life.

"I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that my father was here, too. In an unfamiliar environment, being able to work with my father and celebrate Lunar New Year together was really beyond my expectations," Lu said.

Just a week before Lu's arrival, her father, who had been working at the Olympic Village in Chaoyang district, was temporarily transferred to the facility at Yanqing, Northwest Beijing.

After she started her volunteer work, Lu and her father met several times at the entrances and exits of various certificate verification points, and each time they greeted each other hurriedly before going their separate ways.

Lu's father, who volunteered earlier than she did, is part of the security detail at the village.

One time, she met her father after he had just finished his night shift. He told her: "You must be well-protected, drink plenty of water, wear thicker clothes in the cold weather and look after yourself so you can successfully complete your work at the Winter Olympics. I have faith in you! Do your best!"

During Lu 's participation in volunteer selection, training and job placement, her father encouraged and supported her, which strengthened her determination to do a good job at the Games.

"I feel very motivated working with my dad every day. His words always warm my heart," Lu said.

In addition to the father-daughter relationship, Lu's uncle is working as a bus driver, transporting athletes and guests for the Games.

He, Lu and her father have all made contributions to the Games in different areas of work.

As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, volunteer work at the event is characterized by heavy workloads, long periods in a closed loop and strict epidemic prevention and control measures.

"Because my father, my uncle and I are all working together for the Winter Olympics and cheering together, we have become comrades-in-arms who encourage each other on the front line of our service," Lu said.

Ye Yuting and Tang Ensi contributed to this story.