In Their Words: Frank King
Feb 12, 2008
Frank King has felt the power and seen the legacies of the Olympic Games. As the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA) chairman in 1978, King became the bid chief of Calgary’s successful pitch to host the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. He subsequently became the Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Organizing Committee for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
Presently, as a 2010 Games Ambassador, King continues to share his passion for the Olympic Games. Among his many awards and accolades, King was named as an Officer of the Order of Canada and is a recipient of the International Olympic Committee’s Gold Olympic Order.
The Priceless Gift by Frank King
Only on rare occasions is someone asked to do something that is truly world class. Vancouver 2010 could be that one time! It’s not an easy task though.
Much is asked, and much is expected, of Olympic Games organizers and volunteers. This plain truth is borne out by this true story of “Phyllis” from 1988 in Calgary.
Shortly after the 1988 Olympic Winter Games were over, I met frequently with individual volunteers and staff of the Calgary Olympic Organizing Committee team to hear hundreds of stories that took place behind the big story. On one such occasion, Phyllis asked me to be her guest at lunch.
Phyllis spent our whole lunch hour providing me the details of the ever-increasing responsibilities that she was given as the Games approached. It was a challenge that had changed her life forever. Phyllis started three years before the Games as an assistant to a manager in charge of venue development, but as the Games approached, she recalled that the work load narrowed in scope, but expanded greatly in terms of the responsibilities she had been assigned.
With only 18 months to go she was given even greater responsibilities. She was assigned the responsibility of working directly with the chairman responsible for the preparation of the Olympic Plaza venue and programs. This venue was a new idea not included in the original Calgary 1988 plans. It was a place where we could invite all visitors to a free open air festival of Olympic-related arts, fireworks, laser lights and pin trading as well as public Victory Ceremonies for Olympic medallists. The Olympic Plaza chairman was also the president of a major international real estate company. He relied heavily on Phyllis to make things happen — and perfectly!
Phyllis ended her comments over lunch with these thought-provoking words: “Frank, I can’t thank you enough for giving me the priceless gift of this Olympic experience. It has truly changed my life forever.”
I said, “Phyllis, imagine what we could do for people everywhere if we could only package and sell whatever it is that made such a difference in your life. What was it that we did for you?”
She said: “I’ve never been asked to be that good before!”
It is only on rare occasions that someone is actually asked to do something that is truly world class. Volunteers and organizers, you have this unique opportunity to make a valuable impact on Vancouver 2010. The challenge is presented.
Is this your time?
Get involved in the Games by becoming a Vancouver 2010 volunteer
In Their Words Series
In Their Words is a celebration of the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This 17-part series is comprised of personal stories written by Olympians and leaders with a passion for the Games. Visit vancouver2010.com every day from February 12 to 28 for a fresh story of inspiration, triumph and hope.
In TheirWords: Kristi Richards
InTheir Words:François-Louis Tremblay
InTheir Words:Dominique Maltais
InTheir Words:Johann Olav Koss
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