LA28 opens applications for up to 60,000 unpaid volunteer roles
LA28 opened applications July 14, 2026, for up to 60,000 unpaid volunteers who will help support the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The opportunity is open to applicants in the United States and around the world, but most assignments are expected to be in the Greater Los Angeles region.
The volunteer footprint will extend beyond Southern California. LA28 says volunteers will also be needed in Oklahoma City and in the Olympic Football Tournament cities of New York City, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San José and San Diego. LA28 has not said that each location will have the same number or type of roles.
Who can apply
Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they apply and proficient in English reading and writing. LA28 says people of all abilities who meet those requirements are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must also be available for at least 10 non-consecutive shifts of approximately eight hours during either the 2028 Olympic or Paralympic volunteer period. Anyone who wants to volunteer during both Games must make a separate 10-shift commitment for each.
The Olympic Games are scheduled for July 14-30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games from Aug. 15-27. LA28’s volunteer periods are broader than those competition dates: the Olympic volunteer period is expected to run from March through August 2028, while the Paralympic volunteer period is expected to run from August through September 2028.
What volunteers may do
LA28 lists eight broad role categories: ceremonies, communications, driving, experience, medical, operations, sport and technology.
Assignments may include helping guests and athletes navigate venues, supporting crowd flow and accessibility, assisting with ceremonies, working in media or broadcast operations, helping with transportation, or supporting competition areas. Technology roles may involve broadcast services, timekeeping and results systems.
Some positions require specialist qualifications. LA28 identifies areas including medical care, emergency response, driving, security, doping control and language proficiency. Applicants can indicate relevant experience and may be asked to provide documentation.
How selection works
Applicants may identify preferred role categories and locations, but LA28 does not guarantee a preferred assignment.
The process may include an assessment, a background check and required training. Assessment invitations and role offers are scheduled to be distributed on a rolling basis throughout 2027. Applicants who are not located in Los Angeles may receive a virtual assessment option.
An assessment invitation is not a volunteer offer. Selected applicants must provide requested materials, pass the background check, complete required training and accept a formal offer through the LA28 volunteer portal.
LA28 says applications are not prioritized by the order in which they are submitted. Organizers will announce the closing date at least seven days in advance. As of Aug. 15, 2026, no closing date had been announced.
The cost and transportation questions
These are volunteer roles, not paid employment. Applicants selected for the program are responsible for arranging their own travel, housing and any visa requirements.
Venues will not provide parking. LA28 says volunteers must be able to reach their assigned posts without relying on a car during their shifts and recommends public transportation. That requirement may matter especially for people traveling from outside the host areas or accepting assignments far from home.
People interested in applying should use the official LA28 Games-time volunteer portal. Prior registration of interest does not replace the formal application, and applying early does not provide priority.
Sources
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