The Olympics are coming back to Los Angeles after forty-four years, providing an extraordinary opportunity for locals to volunteer at the world’s biggest sporting event. Tens of thousands of volunteers are recruited for each Olympic Games to ensure smooth operations and a welcoming environment for athletes from around the world. If you’re interested in learning about how to volunteer for the Olympics in 2028, read on for a breakdown of everything we know so far.
🗓️ Save the dates:
- LA28 Olympic Games: July 14-30, 2028
- LA28 Paralympic Games: August 15-27, 2028
What’s the application process and timeline for volunteering at the Olympics?
The application process for LA28 has not yet opened. However, based on timelines from Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026, applications usually begin about 1-1.5 years before the start of the games. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for news from LA28 in late 2026.
It all begins with an online application submission where you’ll communicate your personal details, skills, and availability. Next, the Olympic committee holds a round of selection interviews, and the volunteers who are chosen will later participate in training sessions ahead of the event.
What are the requirements for volunteering at the Olympics?
Volunteer requirements are generally as follows, based on Paris and Milano Cortina:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the start of the Olympic year.
- Availability: You must be available for 9-10 days during the Olympics or Paralympics, and for training before the games. Some specific roles may require more availability.
- Languages: Both Paris and Milano Cortina sought volunteers who speak the host country’s language and/or English. Given the diversity of L.A. and the visiting athletes, bilingual and multilingual applicants will likely have an edge.
- Accommodation: Usually, applicants are expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation close to the venues.
Volunteers are often assigned roles based on their skills and preferences. Roles may include work in hospitality, event operations, language support and translation, and equipment tasks.
If you’re a licensed medical professional seeking a medical volunteer position, you can apply through the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Sports Medicine Volunteer Program.
How competitive is the volunteer selection process?
Snagging a volunteer role at the Olympics is no easy feat. Paris 2024 selected 45,000 volunteers from around 300,000 applicants, which comes to about a 15% acceptance rate. Milano Cortina 2026 is currently selecting 18,000 volunteers from 100,000 applications, or 18%.
Most volunteers are usually from the Games’ home country, but it’s not uncommon for international volunteers to participate. In Paris, about 20% of volunteers were from foreign countries.
What are some of the perks of volunteering for the Olympics?
Volunteers are not paid to work at the Olympics, but the experience will create memories for a lifetime. Here are some of the perks you can look forward to as a volunteer at the Games.
- Access to some sporting events during shifts: While volunteers don’t get any special tickets for the Games, their job may place them in a venue that allows them to watch the action up-close.
- Official uniforms and gear: Each volunteer will get a complete kit and uniform designed specifically for the Olympics and representing elements of the host country. And yes, you get to keep them! Paris uniforms were designed by Decathlon, and included trousers, T-shirts, a jacket, a sun hat, socks, shoes, and a bag. Milano Cortina uniforms will be designed by Salomon, but details are still TBA.
Where can I learn more?
If you want to stay on top of LA28 news, your best bet is to sign up for their newsletter. This way, you’ll be the first to hear about ticket releases, volunteer applications, and job and media opportunities.
🌐 Website: LA28.org