The Face of LA28: Why Volunteers Will Be the Real MVPs

As the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles draw closer, the city is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most memorable events in recent history. To achieve this goal, LA28 is recruiting an unprecedented 60,000 volunteers who will serve as the face of the Games.

The volunteers’ role extends far beyond logistical support; they will be the ones welcoming athletes, spectators, and visitors with open arms, directing them through subway stations, helping athletes navigate venues, and supporting competitions behind the scenes. Their presence is crucial to creating a seamless experience for all attendees.

Olympic Values on Full Display

LA28 leadership recognizes that volunteers are not just essential but also defining of the Games experience. CEO Reynold Hoover cited the success of Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where volunteers were ubiquitous, as an example to follow. Without their dedication, the Olympic experience would be vastly different.

The Spirit of Service

The volunteer program’s emphasis on service is particularly noteworthy. Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis shared a personal anecdote during a press conference, highlighting the importance of volunteering in his own life. His parents devoted themselves to youth sports, and he remembers their selfless commitment as a defining aspect of his experience.

Lewis’s words are telling: “When you go to the Olympics, you see the volunteers all the time.” He believes athletes rarely recall Olympic officials but instead remember the faces of the volunteers who made their experience unforgettable. This speaks to the enduring power of human connection in the face of global competition.

Beyond the Games

The volunteer program has far-reaching implications beyond the 2028 Olympics. In an era marked by increasing commercialization, Lewis’s message about the importance of service and giving back resonates deeply. He argued that events like this will save Olympic sports because they embody values that truly matter – not profit or television ratings.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

Presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines sees the volunteer initiative as one of the Games’ most enduring legacies. Dana Debel emphasized that leaving behind an incredible volunteer program is what truly matters, connecting people across borders and transcending conflicts. This aligns with LA28’s vision for the Olympics – not just a sporting event but a celebration of human unity.

The Impact on the Olympic Movement

The success of this volunteer program has significant implications for the Olympic movement as a whole. If LA28 can mobilize 60,000 people to embody the spirit of service and community engagement, it will set a new standard for future Games. This is not just about numbers; it’s about creating an atmosphere where athletes feel welcome and supported.

As the Opening Ceremony approaches in July 2028, attention is shifting from logistics and infrastructure to the volunteers who will make this event truly unforgettable. They are the true MVPs – Most Valuable Participants – in the Olympic Games, and their faces will be etched in the memories of athletes and spectators alike long after the competitions have ended.