A volunteer speaks in public. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

A group of volunteers known as the "West Lake Sisters" donned their distinctive blue vests and began their service for the Hangzhou Asian Games on the morning of Aug 1, local media outlets reported.

The team of volunteers, with an average age of 65, hails from the city of Hangzhou and has been dubbed the "West Lake Sisters" due to its local connection. While they may be senior citizens, their passion for service and knowledge make them invaluable assets for the city.

Most impressively, many of the volunteers are fluent in English and possess an in-depth understanding of the city's landmarks. They are poised to offer English language instruction, translation services, city guidance, smartphone tutorials, and more to both local residents and visitors.

The "West Lake Sisters" volunteers team begins their service on Aug 1. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

At the helm of the team is 69-year-old Chen Youjuan, a retiree who has provided eight years of volunteer services in the West Lake scenic area. Fondly referred to as a "living map" of the West Lake area, Chen expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the Asian Games as a volunteer.

"The Asian Games have come to our doorstep in Hangzhou, and I felt compelled to sign up as a volunteer. This isn't just for the young; older individuals like us can contribute too! We understand the needs of fellow seniors and hope to involve more people in the Asian Games through our services," Chen said.

Another member of the team is 57-year-old Fan Ruijuan, a retiree and former research engineer with a master's degree. Leveraging her professional expertise, Fan aims to teach fellow seniors how to effectively use smartphones. Additionally, her fluent English will also prove invaluable in helping foreign visitors who come to enjoy the city.

"The team is continuously growing and evolving. With enthusiasm and attention to detail, we are committed to providing high-quality, specialized services to participants and spectators from around the world and within the country," said Yuan Hang, an official of the local volunteer service center.