Their presence is (slightly) less noticeable than that of their predecessors at Paris 2024. It must be said that Salomon opted for a more understated design than Decathlon for their uniforms, which are dominated by navy and emerald blue. Nevertheless, the Milan-Cortina 2026 volunteers are there, easily identifiable, to guide spectators, journalists, athletes, officials, and the entire Olympic family throughout all the designated areas.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry met with several of them before the opening ceremony. Her message: The volunteers give their time because they believe in something and want to be a part of it. They don't always realize how much they contribute to the success of the Games, helping to create the environment and spirit that characterize them. I explained to them that they were, in a way, the secret ingredient to the spirit and magic of the Olympic Games. "They are 18,000, from more than 90 countries, who have committed to Italy. Among them, a number who were already at Paris 2024, and who wished to immerse themselves once again in the Olympic atmosphere."
"There's nothing better than the Olympics."
For Eric, who drove from Nantes, " that's an incredible opportunity This man in his fifties was selected from among 130.000 applicants, despite admitting his English was very basic. I think enthusiasm played a part " he smiled. And he certainly has plenty of that. There's nothing better than the Olympics. I've always volunteered, I've been on the board of several associations, I've been a judge in table tennis and gymnastics… Competing internationally is the holy grail, the ultimate reward. »
He spent around 2.000 euros to experience his second Olympic Games. « As Thierry Roland said at the time, now I can die in peace! " he quipped, referring to the commentator's famous phrase during the 1998 World Cup final. It's still worth the cost “,” assures Delphine, who came from the Nice region. I had an extraordinary adventure at the Paris Olympics, and I wanted to experience another one here in the mountains. In 2024, I was lucky enough to be in the Olympic Village: everyone was smiling, both in the city and at the various venues. Pure joy! It will truly remain one of the best experiences of my life. »
Delphine experienced her first Olympic Games as a volunteer at #Paris2024An experience that prompted her to commit herself again to #MilanoCortina2026And she's not the only one! Read the article on https://t.co/6vfJD02SVP pic.twitter.com/OSlQlUnvkt
— Francs Jeux (@FrancsJeux) February 17, 2026
A big fan of biathlon, François (48 years old) was assigned to where he wanted, in Antholz Anterselva. What I experienced in Paris, I thought I could experience again here, even if the context is different. I had already come to see a World Cup stage in Anterselva and I am still just as amazed by the site, which is truly magnificent. "The atmosphere is also excellent." It's very good-natured, very warm “,” confirms Carole, whose uniform is already attracting attention. I was offered some money for my hat ten minutes ago, but like the Paris bucket hat, I won't sell anything! »
The Alps 2030 in sight
All the volunteers interviewed shared a common trait: their enthusiasm lit up as soon as the summer of 2024 came up in conversation. My daughter points out that I wear my Paris 2024 tracksuits almost all the time. “,” smiled Eric, deeply attached to these memories. I'm still on cloud nine. Even today, when I talk about it, I get stars in my eyes. People can't understand. They could see it was a success, but to experience it from the inside, to have contributed a small part to such an event… I was a driver at Porte d'Auteuil, I started at 6 a.m., and sometimes I even arrived at 5:30 a.m. to have a coffee. It was amazing. »
Carole, a member of the French Volunteers association, was stationed at Roland Garros, working with athletes. The very best for volunteers "That's wonderful," the Alsatian woman says, savoring the moment. Once you've experienced the Olympics, you want to go back. It's truly an amazing human experience. I met a friend in Paris; we had said we would apply together for Milan-Cortina, and we managed to meet up. Paris 2024 has forged a beautiful friendship. »
François, for his part, forged bonds with Portuguese and Spanish volunteers. An experience " unique ", from which a conviction was born: As long as I can, I will volunteer for sporting events. "The Girondin is already thinking about the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps." If the opportunity arises, I will go, without a doubt. " he affirms. Carole, Delphine and Éric too. Another legacy of Paris 2024.
