Name: Kate Naylor
Occupation: Marketing Communications (& Volunteer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games!!)
Where: A Van City Kitty!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: My name is Kate. I’m 24 years old, and I just completed my first marathon! I have my BA from SFU in History and Communications, and am currently working on a marketing certification from BCIT and a publishing one from SFU again. I recently ran the Vancouver Marathon, and love to bake on the side, making wedding and birthday cakes. I also work at a martini bar and run programs for kids in elementary school on Friday nights with two other friends.
Q: How did you get started in the career that you’re in?
A: I currently work for an organic bakery as the marketing coordinator. The owner happened to be a customer at my other work and offered me a position within his company utilizing my skills acquired at school.
Q: How did you get involved in the Olympics?
A: Very randomly, which was surprising! I auditioned first for the opening ceremonies, under the athletic category, but was required to dance, which is definitely not my strong point. After not getting a position there, I received an email a few months later for specialized volunteers for the Victory Ceremonies. I applied, not knowing really what that entitled, but was more than happy with my position once it was offered.
Q: What was your role in the Olympics?
A: My official title was Medal/Flower bearer, which meant I was privileged to care for and carry out the flowers or medals during the victory ceremonies. I was stationed at BC Place, Canada Hockey Place, and the Olympic Centre for curling. I was also a part of the Team Welcome Ceremonies for the week before the Olympics started, which involved being part of a special presentation that welcomed each of the teams to Vancouver.
Q: Tell us about your Olympic experience and what was your favourite moment? ?
A: My Olympic experience was incredible. I have never had so much fun and was able to meet so many outstanding people. From the people I worked with, my supervisors, to all the athletes and dignitaries and VANOC officials, each day was overwhelming and humbling. I worked with an outstanding group of girls who became my great friends.
To choose a favourite moment might actually be impossible. There are a few that stand out in my mind however. The first was the Team Welcome Night for Team Canada, and being able to encourage and welcome our home team to the beautiful accommodations that had been built and to celebrate the beginning of their 2010 Olympic experience. The PM and Governor General were there dancing with us too!
The next was being on the ice for the Victory Celebration for men’s ice hockey! I was lucky enough to give Sidney Crosby his gold medal, which was thrilling, but just being on the ice was incredible. I’ve never felt so patriotic! After the closing ceremonies, a few of the ‘medal girls’ were invited back to the athlete’s village for a big celebration, where we were able to hang out and meet so many different athletes and hear so many stories! I was able to hang out with Marc Kennedy, and got to wear his gold medal, along with Brian McKeever and Sidney Crosby.
Kate & Sidney Crosby
Volunteers with Sandra Oh
Volunteers with Rick Hansen
Q: Who were you most excited to meet at the Olympics?
A: At the Team Welcome Ceremonies, we got to meet Amanda Tapping and Sandra Oh, who were the hosts for the ceremonies, as well as Rick Hansen, PM Harper and Michele Jean. I was also able to meet Jeremy Wootherspoon, Brian McKeever, the men’s curling team, and Sidney Crosby. There were a lot of others we met, but those stand out most prominently.
Q: Did you get to go to any cool events or parties during the Olympics?
A: All of what I got to do felt like a cool party! But yes, we were invited to a few parties on top of our normal jobs. One was the Ski Cross party at Canvas Lounge for Ashleigh McIver after she won her gold medal. I was able to hang out with the Russian, US, and Canadian speed skating teams! On a random note, there was a lot of media there and one of the pictures taken ended up in Sharp Magazine for Men! The other really awesome party was the one at the athlete’s village after the closing ceremony. We were definitely overawed to be there, but everyone was super welcoming and we had an awesome time celebrating, since all the competitions were done.
Q: And just for fun, what are your favourite Vancouver hot spots?
A: I don’t frequent the downtown super often due to being busy at work, but I love Stanley Park, Granville Island (especially the Improv Theatre Sports) or just wandering around on Robson Street. Lamplighter and Salt are always my favourite places for a night out, or the Roxy during hockey season.
