Retired Topeka West teacher heads to 2024 Olympic Games

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – We’re closing in on the start of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, and one former Topeka West teacher is currently en route to Paris.

KSNT 27 News spoke with him just before he took off and explains how he is preparing for the trip of a lifetime. Michael Callaway is fulfilling his lifelong dream. He is one of 766 chaperone volunteers in his position attending the Olympics. Below is a chart showing the different volunteer opportunities at the Olympic Games.

And when he heard the opportunity was there, Callaway knew it was something he couldn’t pass up, applying right away, and ended up filling a spot.

“I was informed of what my duties would be and when I need to report,” Callaway said. “But along with that is the pick up of the credentials and my uniform which is two separate spaces the same day and then a training on site.”

Callaway began his training in March online through webcasts hosted by the Olympics committee, as well as first aid training, in case the situation presents itself. The training started general and became more specific as time progressed. His final two training sessions will be held at the Olympic Village and the Stade De France.

Callaway will assume his duties at the Stade De France, the location site of the track & field events.

“Because I am apart of the anti-doping there’s a limited amount that I can say to let you know,” Callaway said. “I will be responsible for locating the athlete, advising them of the drug test, escorting them to the testing center and making sure they get back to their room ok.”

And as a volunteer, there are perks that comes with it. Including free food, transportation and a special uniform. And to pump himself up, he started watching the U.S. Olympic Trials to get familiar with the events.

“After watching it myself, I got excited about, oh yeah and seeing them talk about Paris and at the track and field events,” Callaway said. “And they were signing the little thing with the Eiffel Tower on it with their names cause they were going. It really, it really gets you excited for the fact that their excited to be there.”

Callaway will arrive in the Olympic Village on Tuesday, July 9. The opening ceremony begins on July 26 at 11 a.m. CT, with the closing ceremony on August 11.

For more 2024 Olympics news, click here . Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts . Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.