LA28 Opens Applications for 60,000 Olympic Volunteers

The countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics is on, and Los Angeles is calling for the biggest volunteer crew in Games history.

LA28 organizers just opened applications for up to 60,000 volunteers who will help bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to life across multiple cities. Most positions will be in the Los Angeles area, with additional opportunities in Oklahoma City, New York, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San José, and San Diego.

Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, who won four golds in the 1984 LA Games, is the official ambassador for the volunteer program. His message is simple but powerful: this is your chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.

"The magic of the Olympic Games is not just made by the athletes. It is made by the people who show up to support them," Lewis said. "Los Angeles has always shown up for me, and now it's our turn to show up for the world."

The volunteer roles span eight categories, from communications and driving to medical services and technology support. Some positions require specialized skills like medical credentials or language translation abilities, but many are open to anyone with enthusiasm and commitment.

LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover emphasized that volunteers are the heartbeat of the Games. "Behind every event, every venue and every moment will be the LA28 Volunteer Crew, ready and eager to play a vital role," he said.

The Ripple Effect

This volunteer initiative is already making waves beyond the Games themselves. To celebrate the application launch, LA28 organized community service projects in both Los Angeles and Oklahoma City.

Lewis joined volunteers for a Griffith Park beautification project, preparing the area that will host the 2028 cycling road events. Other volunteers participated in tree planting efforts in Canoga Park, while Oklahoma City volunteers cleaned up areas around future softball and canoe slalom venues.

The volunteer program actually started in 2025 with community service opportunities across LA, giving would-be volunteers a head start on making their city shine. Early applicants shouldn't worry about timing, though. Organizers confirmed they won't review applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and they'll give at least seven days' notice before closing applications.

The 2028 Olympic Games will run from July 14 to 30, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15 to 27. For thousands of volunteers, those weeks will represent the culmination of years of preparation and the chance to welcome the world to their backyard.

If you've ever wanted to be part of Olympic history, the role of a lifetime is waiting at la28.org.