By Joan Hughes

Local Kiama woman, Joan Hughes, will volunteer at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in August and September. Joan will be an access coordinator at the Grand Palais, which will host a number of events including fencing and taekwondo.

Joan volunteered at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics, which she says, “it was a life changing event.” Joan applied for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics when she heard that the Olympic Committee was seeking volunteers from around the world. There was no requirement to be a French speaker as Joan only has ‘school French.’

“Being a volunteer is a wonderful way of giving back to the community. Being in my early 70s, I have been able to take advantage of many educational and employment opportunities,” Joan said. “I have done many volunteer jobs, even during my paid employment. Giving back to society is very satisfying.” 

She will travel to Paris in early August and will also take the opportunity to travel within Europe and to the UK to see friends.