International Olympic Committee news
“You’re going to make these Games so special for millions of people,” said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, as she greeted volunteers in the Main Press Centre (MPC) in Milan today. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything that you have done and that you will be doing throughout the Games,” she said, wrapping up her motivational speech.
Key facts
- IOC President celebrates Milano Cortina 2026 volunteers
- Volunteers play a key role in welcoming the athletes to the Games
- Milano Cortina President Giovanni Malagò praises volunteers
Famed for their smiles, willingness to help and their Olympic spirit, Olympic volunteers help to make special Games memories for the athletes, fans and officials that they encounter in their different roles. More of those special memories were created, as President Coventry, Milano Cortina 2026 President Giovanni Malagò and 100 volunteers met. Gathering together for a group photo, the volunteers showed their Olympic spirit in a celebratory image that underlined their high spirits before the Games get underway.
President Coventry emphasised to the volunteers the key role that they play in welcoming the world to their Games. “I’ve been to five Olympic Games and the volunteers during the Games were like the special secret source of magic. So, it is really exciting to be here with all of you. I can’t emphasise enough how the atmosphere is created around the Games by all of you, and all of the thousands of volunteers around Italy, because, a lot of the time, you are the first people that athletes, that their families, and that the fans come into contact with.”
She continued with her own experience from London 2012. “I remember in London, you would get on the train and there were volunteers in all the train stations. And all the way from the train station to the Olympic Park, the volunteers were sitting on big chairs with microphones and they were calling out: ‘Zimbabwe! How are you doing? South Africa! Italy!’ Everyone was just like: ‘wow’. It was so cool and that excitement was just incredible for us as athletes because you felt the excitement and the passion of everyone around.”
She continued, “What those volunteers did for the spectators and the crowds that were coming to watch, was to get them excited about being there and what they were going to get to experience, and they became the best spectators to swim in front of, because they were loud and they were excited. The atmosphere that you’re going to help create is so important. So again, from all of us at the Olympic Movement, thank you so much for everything that you’re going to be doing.”
Milano Cortina 2026 President Malagò spoke about his pride in the diversity of the volunteers, “I think there’s about 100 volunteers representing more than 18,000.” He continued, “I’m sure that all of you will have a unique experience.”
“I know very well that you are from all parts of Italy and further afield. I know that you have contributed a lot and that you have made great sacrifices to be here. Some have taken holidays, some have missed special occasions in order to live this experience, and we are very grateful. There are three, maybe four generations here, male and female, and there’s no difference between the social classes. This is a fantastic world that you represent. I think you are the best example of Italy.”
After the meeting with the volunteers, President Coventry answered a few questions about the volunteers in an interview. Her answers can be found here:
How is it going? How is the feel of the Games?
It’s been great. It’s been so nice to finally get here and to have a feel of the ground in Milan. I think the last couple of weeks we started having more teams arrive in Milan, and I was feeling a little left out. So, I’m very happy to be here now with everybody.
Things are moving really well. The organising committee and all of our stakeholders… I think everyone is at the realisation that it’s so close, that things are really moving in the right direction. And it’s so exciting. All the excitement is starting to come. We’re just really happy to be here.
And this was a good start—meeting the volunteers. How would you best describe the volunteers?
The volunteers… I shared with them a story that I remember from the volunteers in London and how they changed the Games. They were the heartbeat of the Games. for all spectators, and they got the crowds excited about going in, watching, filling the venues, and allowing all the athletes to have the best experience ever.
I was telling them they’re sort of like the secret sauce to the spirit and the magic of the Olympic Games. What they’re doing every day is so important for the entire Movement. It was a really nice opportunity to spend time with them, say hello and thank them. We took a few pictures, and they came and said, “We’re so excited.” So, I think that was good.
What do they represent for the Olympic family and the Olympic Games?
I think the volunteers showcase the true spirit of Olympism. They’ve given up their time to come because they believe in something and they want to be a part of it. I don’t think even they realise that they’re a part of making the Games an even bigger success, because they help create this environment and the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Especially for spectators—they are sometimes the first point of contact that visitors, families of athletes, spectators, fans, everyone will meet. If they’re happy and proud to be doing this, that will shine through and change the experience for all stakeholders, which is invaluable.
What message would you send out to the athletes and the others who are ready?
I’d say to them: have fun. Enjoy the moment. Like in everything, it’s not always going to be the easiest ride. You’re going to come across sometimes, like we do everywhere, people who may be having a bad day, and the challenge is to try to turn their day into a good one. Embrace everyone and get everyone excited about the Olympic Games and the movement—about what they’re about to go and watch.
The volunteers at the airport are welcoming everybody to Italy and to the Italian spirit. The Italians—they love sport. We’re going to see incredible venues in the most iconic, beautiful areas of Italy. Be proud of that. Be proud that you’re helping shape what these Games will be remembered for in the future.
Thank you so much. Enjoy the rest of your stay and the Games.
I look forward to it. I’m very excited. Thank you so much.
Image credits: © IOC/Sara Cavallini
