The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games committee launched a volunteer program on November 6, allowing anyone to register to support the host city.
The volunteer role can entail anything from wildfire recovery and hunger relief to supporting youth sports and communities in need, according to the LA28 Volunteer Program. Anyone 18 and older is eligible to register; however, registration does not guarantee a spot.
“I think LA is a very sprawling city with a bunch of different neighborhoods and communities. Having a huge event like the Olympics is something that brings the entire city together, which is super cool,” said Anjali Borschel, a first-year law student at Gould School of Law.
“I think if I were an undergrad, this would’ve been something I was interested in. But as a law student, I’m just trying to manage my own coursework and look for a full-time job right now,” Borshel said.
For Game-Time volunteering, there is currently an option on the community registration form to indicate interest. Registration won’t open until the summer of 2026. This role would involve assisting athletes and guiding guests.
“I think it would be a really cool experience for sure. If it wasn’t too time-demanding, I would definitely be interested,” said Kyle McLaren, a freshman studying business administration.
Registrants don’t need to volunteer in the community to be eligible to apply for Games-time roles, but LA28’s webpage encourages early involvement to increase the chances of receiving these positions during the games.
Over 300,000 people applied for volunteer positions for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Of that number, only 15 percent of applicants were accepted, according to Euronews. This percentage still included 45,000 people who worked to execute all aspects of the Olympic Games.
In 2016, USC’s student housing was tabbed to host the Media Village for Olympic coverage as part of the LA2024 bid to host the Olympics. In 2028, a handful of sporting events will also be held at the Galen Center and the LA Memorial Coliseum, including a part of the opening ceremony.
“I might be interested. It depends on what I would be doing. If it was something that I find to be interesting, then I would volunteer,” said Roxanne Moreno, a freshman majoring in business of cinematic arts.
“I feel it would be cool to be like, ‘I was a volunteer for the Olympics.’ It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something so big.” Moreno said.