International Volunteers Behind the Scenes Played Key Roles at the Pan American Games 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico

Americans and Canadians Among Largest Group of International Volunteers

MEXICO CITY, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released today by Marca Pais – Imagen de Mexico:

Following the success of the Pan American Games and the Parapanamerican Games 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico, several of the volunteers are going back home with the satisfaction of having played a key role. Whether they are international volunteers from the United States and Canada, or local volunteers from Guadalajara, all of them enjoyed their time at the Pan American Games.

Canadian Tyler Ffrench is a native resident of Toronto who volunteered full-time as an accreditation coordinator on the inauguration and closing ceremonies of the Pan Am Games. His experience volunteering at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 inspired him to continue his efforts in similar international sports events, which made him interested in helping out in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"I have never been to Mexico before, so this is my first time and had a great experience. The food is great, the people are wonderful. I always felt safe wherever I am. I was just in downtown Guadalajara last night with a few friends, and I feel perfectly safe and perfectly fine," said Ffrench in an exclusive video interview with MexicoToday. "I recommend anybody who is interested to apply, volunteer, work, and do whatever you can to get involved. It is a great way to see and new place and to meet great people, and to have a fabulous experience," he added.

John and Barbara Dye are an American couple who were both assigned to volunteering jobs by the United States Peace Corps in Guadalajara a year ago. Barbara works at the Bosque La Primavera protected area bringing her experience with natural lands management to the preserve. John works for CIATEJ, a science research center where he manages the website and helps with scientific translations.

"We live in the center of the city which is filled with beautiful stone buildings, homes, and churches. There is always something going on in Guadalajara. Shortly after we were assigned to Guadalajara, we learned that the Pan American and the Parapanamerican Games were taking place here. We were excited to be selected as volunteers so that we could be active participants," John shared in an interview with MexicoToday.

At the Pan American Games, the couple was assigned to the Language Services group where they were responsible for translating various guides for both visitors and athletes from Spanish to English.

When asked about what's next for the couple following the closing ceremonies of the Pan American and the Parapanamerican Games, Barbara stated, "Our commitment to the Peace Corps is for another year, but we are seriously considering staying longer because we like living here so much." And John agreed, "I love the Mexican people. They have a wonderful positive attitude toward life; they honor their traditions, and treat one another with honor and respect. I also love the vibrant colors in Mexico's buildings, clothing, and art."

John also said, "We have been encouraging our friends and family to come to visit, and those who have come have had a wonderful time. Our visitors have really enjoyed the cultural activities, the natural features, and the warmth of the Mexican people."

And Canadian Geoff Fink isn't new to Mexico – he has been there three times, and this last time he has stayed for three years already living in Guadalajara and studying a Masters degree of Engineering program. "I volunteer in the Pan American Games to be able to represent my country Canada and to help out Mexico. My job here is as an NOC assistant with the Cayman Islands delegation, and help them move between events, dealing with translations between English and Spanish. I get to know people from all over North and South America."

"The food here is super delicious. Here in Guadalajara you can enjoy the tortas ahogadas which are super tasty and I eat them all the time. I am also a huge fan of tacos. I used to work in a taqueria so I was eating 15 tacos every day!"

"Now that I am finishing my masters, I still have to do my thesis, and then heading back to Canada for Christmas. After that, I am not sure – could be travel to another spot in the world or maybe consider coming back to Guadalajara."

Marca Pais - Imagen de Mexico is an initiative to help promote a positive image of Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination abroad.

SOURCE Marca Pais - Imagen de Mexico