Dispatches from Rio: North Shore LPN uses vacation to volunteer at 2016 Olympics

It’s not uncommon to start planning a vacation a year in advance, but Madalena Bohomol started mapping out the logistics for a trip to Brazil seven years. On Oct. 2, 2009 to be exact.

That’s when the International Olympic Committee announced Rio de Janeiro as the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Madalena, an LPN who has worked at the Kiwanis Care Centre since 2000, wasted no time submitting her name to volunteer at the Games.

Despite her busy schedule in Rio, Madalena generously took the time to respond to VCH News questions sent via email.

“As a Brazilian-Canadian, Rio 2016 is a lifetime opportunity to be a volunteer because it is the biggest sporting event on the planet,” Madalena typed on her iPhone from Rio last week. “As well, being a Brazilian it’s interesting and exciting to see the Brazilian people doing their best to help the international visitors.”

From LPN to International Relations Team Member

Madalena had a number of volunteer roles during Games, including International Relations Team Member at Barra Olympic Park at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre, which hosted the Water Polo, Diving and the Synchronized Swimming competitions.

“My role was receiving authorities, dignitaries, and Olympic family members to the venue, monitoring the Olympic Family lounge and helping spectators find their seats,” she writes. “I am so proud contributing to this huge event while enjoying it at the same time.”

She couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling holiday.

“The biggest highlight for me has been seeing people from different parts of the world, different cultures and many different languages coming together to enjoy many unique and unforgettable moments,” Madalena wrote. “These athletes put their heart, soul and determination into a race or event that they’ve been training for, for many years. It’s inspiring.”

Madalena will get to relive her time in Rio when she returns to work because her manager, Anne Moonan-Woods, expects a presentation.

“Madalena made every moment count while she was in Rio,” says Anne. “I’m holding her to a presentation for the staff at KCC upon her return.”

KCC’s Madalena Bohomol snaps a selfie at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre in Rio during the 2016 Summer Olympics.