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≡ INTEL REPORT ≡
Paris 2024 is over and it’s on to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, with the organizers announcing the opening of the volunteer application program on Wednesday:
“The requirements to apply – exclusively on the website milanocortina2026.org – and be part of this dream include being 18 years old by November 1st 2025, having knowledge of Italian or English, participating in selection and training events, and committing to a minimum availability of at least nine non-consecutive days during the Games.
“The Team26 Programme is open to all residents or those from abroad willing to cover their own travel, visa and accommodation costs (to cover your yourselves in case anyone thinks MiCo will cover those expenses), and candidates can also offer their availability for a series of readiness activities that will take place before the Winter Games, starting with the Test Events in 2025.
“The roles assigned to volunteers will be varied and primarily aimed at enhancing the experience of all those who will participate in the event and facilitating the organisation of the Games. Additionally, it will be a genuine opportunity for personal growth and development for the volunteers themselves.”
The application itself takes about 20-30 minutes to complete, and has questions about identity, reasons for applying, areas of expertise, and preferred availability and possible locations for their assignment. Once submitted, per the Team26 Web site:
● “Autumn 2024 – The Selection: The application phase will be followed by a meeting to get to know each other better, and to tell you more about the activity.”
● “Spring 2025 – Your Role: If selected, your application will be accepted, and you can officially become a Team26 member!”
● “Summer 2025 – Training: Embark on a unique learning path (e-learning and face-to-face) so you can perform with confidence and feel safe and comfortable in your role.”
● “Winter 2025 – Uniform and Accreditation Pick Up: Not all heroes wear capes, but our volunteers certainly wear the coolest uniforms.”
● “Winter 2026 – Games Time: This is what we call the period during which the Winter Games take place, when the magic truly begins.”
There is a lengthy “Team26 Charter” to read, essentially outlining the legal relationship between the would-be volunteer and the organizing committee. And once an application is submitted, the waiting game begins.
The site does not state a deadline for submitting an application, but includes a message from Italy’s U.S. Open tennis champ Jannik Sinner, who is the Milan Cortina 2026 ambassador for the volunteer program; it included:
“Our passion, commitment, and dedication will make Milano Cortina 2026 a memorable experience for everyone. We will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, learn about new cultures, and share our love for sport. Every gesture we make, every word we say, will be an invaluable contribution that will remain imprinted in the memories of those who participate in this event.”
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