The Countdown Begins: From Paris 2024 to Milano-Cortina 2026! 🎉❄️

A Journey from the Paralympic Closing to Italy’s Upcoming Winter Games

Reflecting on the End of Paris 2024

The Paris 2024 Paralympics left us with that bittersweet feeling of waking up from a vivid dream. A couple of weeks have passed, and the dust has settled with honorable awards handed out by the Organizing Committee, UN agencies, and the Parisian Municipality. But with school back in session and the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, most of the world is returning to work. For many, the end of one event is merely the start of anticipation for the next.

Excitement for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Volunteer Program

September is buzzing with excitement — not only for Oktoberfest — but also for the long-awaited announcement of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Volunteer Program. It started with a sneak peek of the uniforms, followed by the unveiling of the first Volunteer Ambassador. That reignited the flame inside me, reminding me of the thrill that comes with the full program’s announcement.

The Big Announcement Day

The next day, the form was ready to be battle-tested. I was at the office when my phone started buzzing with excitement. All the WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook groups I’ve been a part of for past events were alive with chatter. It was finally time — the announcement for Milano-Cortina 2026 was here! Without waiting for the official email, I jumped straight onto the website to sift through the information. I loved the clear layout, timeline, and the ability to print out all the necessary info. Kudos to the organizers for that!

Words of Advice for Future Volunteers

For those applying, I wish you the best of luck! Every time I open a volunteer application, there’s a rush of excitement but also some anxiety. The key is to gather your memories of previous activities and prepare well. You don’t need to finish it all at once — take your time, save your progress, and come back to it when ready.

For me, filling out these forms has become muscle memory. I focus on reevaluating my hard skills, listing soft skills, recounting previous activities, and organizing everything coherently. Remember, languages and the roles you choose are often linked, and having a first aid certificate or a driver’s license can give you a competitive edge.

Winter Sports Experience: Is It Necessary?

Don’t worry if you don’t have previous experience in winter sports. As long as it’s not a role requiring specific technical skills, mental and physical readiness is what counts. Volunteering is about contributing, connecting, and having fun!

The Legacy of Paris 2024 and Team26

The excitement from Paris 2024 is rolling over into Team26, the volunteer team for Milano-Cortina 2026. The Summer Games of LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 are already gearing up to showcase their magic, but it’s Italy’s time to shine now. I’ve been dreaming of this moment since Rome’s 2024 Olympic bid fell through, and Milano seized the opportunity for the Winter Games.

A Special Pin from Rome 2024

I’ll never forget the time I was volunteering in Rio de Janeiro, and a random judge on the bus thanked me for helping him find his way by giving me a Rome 2024 candidate city pin. That memory feels extra meaningful as I now look forward to volunteering in Milano-Cortina.

Looking Ahead to the Winter Sports Hub of Italy

Before the 2026 Games, Italy will host a slew of test events and championships across the Alps. Torino, the host city of the 2025 FISU Winter Universiade, will also play a key role in making Italy a winter sports hub. From the French to Austrian borders, the Alps will be alive with activity, gearing up for the final celebration of the XXV Winter Olympiad.

From Paris to Milano — Don’t Forget Torino!

As we transition from Paris 2024 to Milano-Cortina 2026, don’t forget to stop by Torino, just as Napoleon did! After that, take time to enjoy the fashion capital, Milano, and prepare for new adventures and friendships. It’s going to be an unforgettable journey! 💫❄️