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CANADIAN SPORT CENTRE PACIFIC BILLET PROGRAM
Host FAQs
- I will be away during the Games; however, I would still like to volunteer my home. Is this possible?
HOST FAQs
Who should consider applying to be a Host?
Any person living in the Metro Vancouver area (includes Anmore, Belcarra, Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and White Rock) who is able to provide accommodation and daily breakfast is encouraged to apply to become a Host. A strong commitment to participate in the Program will be needed in order to meet the demand for accommodation and contribute to the success of the Canadian team.
Host applicants must be 19 years of age and may be required to pass a professional third-party home inspection.
If you are interested in being a Host and you live in the Sea to Sky corridor, we appreciate your interest in the Program, but unfortunately we cannot accept your application. If you still wish to be involved with a billet program during the Games, we encourage you to apply to the 2010 Winter Games Homestay Program operated by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Please go to www.vancouver2010.com/homestay and follow the link to fill out the Host Application Form.
What is expected of a Host?
A Host in the Program will be expected to:
- Provide accommodation (private sleeping accommodation, bedding, towels, and a shared or private bath) and breakfast (for example, cereal/toast, juice and a hot beverage) for one to four Guests for 8 to 18 days during the Games hosting period
- Meet Guests upon their arrival at the Vancouver International Airport or at a mutually agreed upon location in Metro Vancouver (whichever is most convenient for the Guest) and transport them to the Host’s home
- Arrange for Guest departures at the Vancouver International Airport or at a mutually agreed upon location in Metro Vancouver (whichever is most convenient for the Guest)
- Direct or assist Guests to the nearest public transit point each day
Hosts will not be responsible for providing any Games tickets or covering the costs of Guests’ travel or other expenses.
How do I apply to be a Host?
Complete the online Host Application Form and submit it to CSC Pacific by November 16, 2009. Applicants will receive a notice confirming receipt of their application. Upon acceptance of their application, a Host will be notified by the Billet Program Coordinator and details of their matched Guest will be available at a later date.
If you are interested in the Program, but not yet ready to apply, complete and submit the Request for Information Form. You will receive Program communication and updates and may be contacted by the Program Coordinator. When you are ready to commit to the Program, fill in and submit the complete Host Application Form.
What are the benefits of being a Host?
As a Host, you will have the unique opportunity to experience the Games through the eyes of team Canada’s biggest supporters. The experience of hosting Guests of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches will give fellow athletes and sport enthusiasts a glimpse of the work and dedication required to compete at the highest level of sport.
Finding Games-time accommodation for family and friends can be incredibly stressful for athletes and coaches, and may affect their performance at the Games. As a Host, your participation in this program may enhance Canadian athletes’ opportunity for success.
Will I get paid to be a Host?
Hosting family and friends of an Olympic or Paralympic athlete or coach is an incredibly unique experience. Hosts will be able to share in the excitement and emotion of the Olympic or Paralympic Games on a more intimate level and have the opportunity to make life long friends while doing so. While Hosts receive no financial payment for hosting Guests, CSC Pacific believes that the experience will be extremely rewarding.
What is the typical duration of a Guest’s stay?
Guests are invited to stay for a period of eight days during the Games hosting period. For Guests of athletes and coaches who are competing over longer periods of time, best efforts will be made to secure accommodation for the duration of their competition schedule, which may last up to 18 days.
What if I’m not available for the entire Olympic or Paralympic period?
While we appreciate your interest in the program and understand that it may be difficult to commit to such a long period of time, we do require applicant Hosts to be available for the entire Olympic (February 10 – March 1, 2010) or Paralympic (March 10 – 22, 2010) period. Hosts will not be asked to accommodate Guests for more than 8 days or host Guests for both the Olympic and Paralympic periods unless they have indicated their interest to do so.
If I meet all of the eligibility requirements of a Host, am I guaranteed to be assigned Guests?
While CSC Pacific would like to give all eligible Host Applicants the opportunity to host Guests, we anticipate receiving more Host applications than we have Guests to accommodate.
From this pool of eligible Hosts, Guests will be matched based on suitability. The convenience of a Host’s home to public transportation, access to relevant Games venues, and the number of Guests the Host is able to accommodate will be key considerations. Language and personal needs will be reviewed to assess compatibility during the matching process.
How will CSC Pacific match Guests with Hosts?
The information provided by applicants in the Guest Application Form, and similar information provided by Hosts, will assist CSC Pacific in matching Guests with compatible Hosts. The convenience of a Host’s home to public transportation, access to relevant Games venues, and the number of Guests the Host is able to accommodate will be key considerations. Language and personal needs will be reviewed to assess compatibility during the matching process.
Priority will be given to Guests of athletes and coaches of Own the Podium 2010 (OTP) targeted sports.
When will Hosts find out if they have been selected to host a Guest?
Hosts and Guests will be matched throughout the lead-up to the Games as athletes and teams qualify and family and friends confirm their travel plans. CSC Pacific staff will inform Hosts of their selection as soon as possible; however, due to late athlete and team qualification dates, some applicants may be confirmed as late as February 2010 for Olympic period Hosts and March 2010 for Paralympic period Hosts.
I haven’t heard anything in a few months. Am I still part of the program?
Yes. We ask for your patience in this matter due to late athlete and team qualification dates. Some applicants may be confirmed as late as February 2010 for Olympic period Guests and March 2010 for Paralympic period Guests.
If I am accepted as a Host, will I receive tickets to Olympic or Paralympic events or ceremonies?
The CSC Pacific Billet Program is unable to provide tickets for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games or any associated events.
If you live in the Sea to Sky Region or on the North Shore and wish to host a VANOC volunteer in exchange for event or victory ceremony tickets, we encourage you to apply to the 2010 Winter Games Homestay Program operated by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Please go to www.vancouver2010.com/homestay and follow the link to fill out the Host application form.
How will Hosts and Guests communicate prior to arrival?
Guests and Hosts will receive their matches’ contact information simultaneously from CSC Pacific.
Guests should contact their Host by telephone within 14 days of receiving their Host’s contact information from CSC Pacific. If the Host has not heard from their Guests within 14 days of receiving their contact information, the Host may contact the Guest by telephone. If contact between Guest and Host has not been made within one month of receiving their contact information or less than 14 days before the Guests’ scheduled arrival date (whichever comes first), the Guests and/or Host may be reassigned or removed from the program.
Will I need to be available (off work) for the duration of the Guests’ stay?
It is expected that Hosts and Guests demonstrate a certain level of flexibility and respect during the billeting period. Note that long travel times, evening competition and award sessions, and the unpredictable nature of the Games may make it difficult for Guests to commit to firm plans.
If you are comfortable providing a house key to your Guests, you will not need to be available for the duration of the Guests’ stay. If you are not comfortable with this idea, you should work with your Guests to create a mutually agreeable schedule that will accommodate your needs, as well as those of your Guests. This should be discussed well in advance of your Guests’ arrival in Vancouver.
I will be away during the Games; however, I would still like to volunteer my home. Is this possible?
Yes. Please complete the online Host Application Form, noting that you will not be present during the Games, and submit it to CSC Pacific by October 16, 2009. The Billet Program Coordinator will contact you to discuss additional details.
Can I choose which sport, athlete or coach’s family I want to host?
CSC Pacific’s priority is to find the best match for Guests and Hosts based on Guest requirements. The information provided by applicants in the Guest Application Form, and similar information provided by Hosts, will assist CSC Pacific in matching Guests with compatible Hosts. The convenience of a Host’s home to public transportation, access to relevant Games venues, and the number of Guests the Host is able to accommodate will be key considerations. Language and personal needs will be reviewed to assess compatibility during the matching process.
Hosts are invited to indicate any sport preferences on their Application Forms, but due to our matching criteria, we cannot guarantee that you will be matched with Guests associated with the sport(s) of your particular interest.
For more information about the matching process, please refer to the Host Information page .
Will I get to meet the athlete or coach who referred my Guests?
The primary purpose of this program is to reduce stress and enhance Canadian athlete performance by assisting Canadian athletes and coaches’ supporters with accommodation, allowing them to fully support their athlete or coach.
While we understand your interest in meeting your Guests’ respective athlete or coach, due to the demands of training and competition, as well as transportation challenges during the Games, CSC Pacific cannot guarantee that you will have the opportunity to meet your Guests’ athlete or coach.
Are background checks required for participation in the Program?
CSC Pacific reserves the right to conduct a comprehensive security screening of Hosts and/or Guests, including a criminal records search, police history information search and/or such other security checks and searches as a condition to participation in the Program. Please review the CSC Pacific Privacy Policies for more details.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection:
• Verifies that the information submitted on the Host application form is accurate.
• Confirms that the safety criteria outlined below are all in place.
• Smoke detectors on all floor levels
• Fire extinguisher present in the kitchen
• Fire extinguisher present for wood stove or fire place
• Emergency number posted close to the phone
• Fire escape plan in place
• Room and house exits clear
Can I set rules for my Guests? Will I have to follow rules?
Any house rules should be discussed and agreed upon prior to your Guests’ arrival in Vancouver. However, it is expected that Host and Guest applicants demonstrate a certain level of flexibility and respect during the billeting period. Note that long travel times, evening competition and award sessions, and the unpredictable nature of the Games may make it difficult for Guests to commit to a curfew or firm plans.
What is the definition of a shared bathroom?
A shared bathroom is a bathroom that is shared between two or more bedrooms. Bathrooms may be shared between Guests or between Guests and Hosts. You may wish to indicate which type of shared bathroom you are offering in the comments section of your application form.
Private bathroom refers to a bathroom used solely by Guests of one bedroom, even if there are multiple Guests staying in the room.
How do I know if my home is wheelchair accessible?
To learn more about wheelchair accessibility guidelines, please view the Barrier Free Accommodations Guidelines.
Am I required to provide meals for my Guests?
You will not be expected to provide any food or meals beyond a continental breakfast for the duration of your Guests’ stay. Some Hosts may wish to supply other meals, provided that their Guests can attend.
Will I be asked to host a Guest who smokes?
If you have specified on your application form that smoking is not permitted in your household, we will not match you with Guests who indicate that they smoke.
Can I turn down a Guest if I’m not comfortable hosting them?
The information provided by applicants in the Guest & Host Application Forms will assist CSC Pacific in matching Guests with compatible Hosts. If you have accepted the terms and conditions of the Host Agreement to participate in the Program and your application is accepted by CSC Pacific, you have agreed to accept any Guest assigned to you. If you have serious concerns about Guest selection, this program may not be the best fit for you.
Please recognize that finding Games-time accommodation for family and friends can be incredibly stressful for athletes and coaches, and may affect their performance at the Games. As a Host, your participation in this program may enhance Canadian athletes’ opportunity for success.
Are Hosts required to speak multiple languages?
No. However, English may not be the first language of some Guests, so it will be appreciated if a Host can speak a little or is fluent in their Guest’s mother-tongue. There will be a need for French-speaking Hosts, as French is the first language of a number of our Guests.
Who is liable if something gets damaged or stolen?
While we expect that your Guests will be very careful and behave respectfully while staying in your home, accidents may occur.
CSC Pacific recommends that Hosts check with their insurance provider(s) to ensure that their home or other insurance policy provides adequate coverage for personal liability for the duration of their Guests stay. CSC Pacific recommends a minimum of $1 million in third-party liability insurance.
What if my Guests don’t arrive at the time they’re expected?
A CSC Pacific Billet Program Coordinator will be available during the Games to trouble-shoot if you experience any problems. You will receive the coordinator’s contact information closer to the Games. To avoid this situation, Hosts and Guests should exchange cell phone numbers, emergency contact information, and Guests should provide Hosts with their flight numbers if travelling by air. Guests should make every effort to contact their Host, should their arrival be delayed.
If my Guests cancel, will I be assigned new Guests?
If this occurs, please contact the CSC Pacific Billet Program Coordinator as soon as possible at billet@cscpacific.ca Although we cannot guarantee replacement Guests, we will keep your information on file and match you with other Guests if circumstances permit. The matching criteria, based on the convenience of a Host’s home to public transportation, access to relevant Games venues, the number of Guests the Host is able to accommodate, and general compatibility will remain the same.
What if there is a change in my personal situation that no longer allows me to host the Guests I’ve been assigned?
Please recognize that finding Games-time accommodation for family and friends can be incredibly stressful for athletes and coaches, and may affect their performance at the Games. As a Host, your participation in this program may enhance Canadian athletes’ opportunity for success.
CSC Pacific recognizes that due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be unable to host the Guests you’ve been assigned or you may need to withdraw from the Program completely. If this occurs, please contact the CSC Pacific Billet Program Coordinator as soon as possible at billet@cscpacific.ca.
What if I move or my contact information changes?
Please contact the CSC Pacific Billet Program Coordinator as soon as possible at billet@cscpacific.ca.
Can I withdraw my application?
Please recognize that finding Games-time accommodation for family and friends can be incredibly stressful for athletes and coaches, and may affect their performance at the Games. As a Host, your participation in this program may enhance Canadian athletes’ opportunity for success.
CSC Pacific recognizes that due to unforeseen circumstances, you may need to withdraw from the Program. If this occurs, please contact the CSC Pacific Billet Program Coordinator as soon as possible at billet@cscpacific.ca.
What if I live in the Sea to Sky Region (Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton)? Can I be a Host?
If you are offering billet accommodations in the Sea to Sky corridor, we appreciate your interest in the Program, but unfortunately we cannot accept your application. If you still wish to be involved with a hosting program during the Games, we encourage you to apply to the 2010 Winter Games Homestay Program operated by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Please go to www.vancouver2010.com/homestay and follow the link to fill out the Host application form.
Are there any further opportunities to assist the Program, in addition to hosting or if I am not chosen as a Host?
Limited volunteer opportunities may arise during the program. If you are interested in assisting CSC Pacific with the execution of the Billeting Program, please contact billet@cscpacfic.ca.
Where can I learn more about transportation during the Games?
Information on Games-time transportation can be found at: http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/spectator-information/coming-to-vancouver-2010/transportation/-/34172/17n7udz/index.html or http://www.translink.ca/en/Utilities/Olympics.aspx.
I’m having trouble submitting my form. What do I do?
For online email users (Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, etc.):
Once you are satisfied with the information you have entered into the application form, click the submit button at the bottom of the form.
If you have missed a required field (highlighted in red), you will receive a message informing you of this.
Once all required fields have been completed, you will be prompted to enter your name and email address. After entering this information, click on the send button.
Next, choose the “Internet Email” option and proceed. You will be asked to save the application to your computer. Be sure to save this file to a location on your computer that can be easily accessed.
Proceed to your online email account and compose a new email message. In the “To:” field, enter billet@cscpacific.ca, with the subject; “CSC Pacific Billet Program Application Form”. Once this has been completed, you will need to attach the completed application form (which you saved to your computer earlier) to this email. For instructions on how to attach a document to an email, please visit http://www.ehow.com/how_2194722_attach-file-email.html.
After you have filled in the correct “To:” address, the subject line, and attached the application form, hit send. You can ensure that your email has been sent successfully by checking your sent messages folder.
Once the CSC Pacific Billet Program has received your submitted form, the Program Coordinator will send you a receipt of application email.
If you continue to experience technical difficulties during this process, please contact the program coordinator at billet@cscpacific.ca or 604.333.3515.
For desktop email users (Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook, etc.):
Once you are satisfied with the information you have entered into the application form, click the submit button at the bottom of the form.
If you have missed a required field (highlighted in red), you will receive a message informing you of this.
Once all required fields have been completed, you will be prompted to enter your name and email address. After entering this information, click the send button.
Next, choose the “Desktop Email Application” option and click OK. A new message window will appear. Simply click send, and your job is complete.
You can ensure that your email has been sent successfully by checking your sent messages folder.
Once the CSC Pacific Billet Program has received your submitted form, the Program Coordinator will send you a receipt of application email.
If you continue to experience issues during this process, please contact the program coordinator at billet@cscpacific.ca or 604.333.3515.
How will I know if my application has been sent/received?
If you are concerned that your email was not sent properly, simply check the sent messages folder of your email program. If the email appears, it has been sent. If not, try to repeat the process again. Once the CSC Pacific Billet Program has received your submitted form, the Program Coordinator will send you a receipt of application email.
If you continue to experience issues during this process, please contact the program coordinator at billet@cscpacific.ca or 604.333.3515.
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| "Having my family stay with a host family in - Karolina Wisniewska, four-time medallist in alpine skiing, 2002 Paralympic Games. |
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"The Salt Lake 2002 homestay program was, and still is, one of our greatest experiences at the Olympics. In addition to making lifelong friends the program made it affordable for us to bring our two sons to attend the 2002 events. We have visited our billets George and Van on a continual basis with our family staying in
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