The Olympic Volunteers: The Extraordinary People Who Will Make the Milan Cortina 2026 Games Magical

There is a flame that burns behind every major sporting event. It is not just the Olympic one, which runs from hand to hand until it lights up the stadium. It is the flame of dedication, humanity and passion: the one that burns in the hearts of the olympic volunteers. A Milan Cortina 2026, will be over 20.000. It will be the voices, smiles, and hands that will guide athletes, fans, and delegations through emotions, logistics, and shared dreams.

Who are the Olympic Volunteers?

There is no single sketch. There are students, retirees, workers on break, sportsmen and simple enthusiasts. Men and women, Italians and foreigners. Some speak five languages, others have special knowledge of the Alps. However, they all have one characteristic in common: want to be part of history, make themselves useful and represent Italy with pride.

Many of them are already preparing. They are attending training courses, learning languages, studying locations. Some live within walking distance of race sites, others will travel from afar to be there, if only for a week.

What Do Volunteers Do at the Olympics?

Behind every ski race, every ceremony, every interview with an athlete, there is a volunteer. Their contribution is crucial, though often invisible. Here are some of the key roles:

• Reception At stations, airports, and facility gates;
• Language support For delegations and athletes;
• Fan zone management, of information points and press spaces;
• Assistance to viewers with disabilities;
• Logistics and handling Of equipment, documents and materials;
• Support during ceremonies of opening and closing;
• Constant presence in Olympic villages.

Every gesture, from handing over a pass to pointing to a bus stop, will help make the experience unforgettable for everyone.

How to Participate: The Milan Cortina 2026 Volunteer Program

The selection is ongoing and open to anyone who has completed at least 18 years old By January 1, 2026. Specific professional skills are not necessary, but are preferred:

• Talk at least one foreign language (English first and foremost);
• Having team spirit;
• Be available for at least 10 consecutive days during the event;
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, kindness and reliability.

To apply, you must fill out the official form available at volunteers.milanocortina2026.org, where you can choose preferences based on city, role, and language spoken.

Volunteers will be guaranteed:

• Official uniform;
• Free training;
• Insurance and food vouchers;
• Free local public transportation;
• An official certificate of participation.

Their Stories: Voices from the Games

Alessia, 22, signed up to volunteer for Cortina. "I grew up with skiing. To be able to help here, in my home, is an honor. It will be like being part of a world team."

Marco, 63, who retired two years ago, will be assigned to the Olympic village in Milan. "I feel reborn. I studied English for this, I want to contribute and maybe inspire my grandchildren."

And then there is Yara, an Egyptian Erasmus student in Trento. "The Olympics is a dream. And Italy, for me, is home. This is my chance to give something back."

The Silent Heart of Games

Volunteers will not win medals, but they will be the real ambassadors of the Olympic spirit. Their every smile, their every helping gesture will be a small daily miracle. Without them, the Games could not exist.

Participating as a volunteer is more than just helping: it is being an active part of history, sharing values of peace, friendship and inclusion.