MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 tennis player, will be the first of the volunteers for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The announcement came today from the Organizing Committee during the presentation of the Team26 program dedicated to the volunteers who will live the Games staged in Italy as protagonists. Volunteers are the soul of the Olympics and Paralympics and are an indispensable and indispensable force for their success. An estimated 18,000 people will have the opportunity to become an integral part of the Winter Games. The requirements to apply, through the milanocortina2026.org website, are to be 18 years old by November 1, 2025, to know Italian or English, to participate in selection and training events, and to guarantee a minimum availability of at least 9 non-consecutive days during the Games. The Team26 program is open to everyone from Italy and abroad, and applicants can also offer their availability for a range of activities that will be carried out before the Winter Games, starting with the test events in 2025.The roles entrusted to volunteers will be varied and aimed primarily at enhancing the quality of the experience of all those who will participate in the event and facilitating the organization of the Games, as well as being a real opportunity for training and personal growth. Volunteers will be involved at competition venues and all official sites, such as, for example, the Athlete Villages, Main Media Centre, train stations and airports. “You can’t have an Olympics without volunteers. They are the co protagonists of the Games,” said CONI President Giovanni Malagò. “Volunteers have always been the distinguishing element of every edition of the Games, and they will be the ones to convey the Italian spirit, welcoming people from all over the world and fostering the best possible experience for the great protagonists of the winter disciplines,” Malagò added.Sinner said he was “honored” to be Ambassador of the volunteers. “Sports has always made me realize what kind of person I am. Being part of this volunteer program means so much to me. We aim to make a beautiful program and give an unforgettable experience to all the athletes competing,” said the South Tyrolean, who as a young man, before tennis, was a promising alpine skier. “I learned to ski when I was a child and since then the adrenaline rush of the downhill runs and the fascination of the snow-capped mountains accompany me every winter. The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics will be held in places that are very special to me, and I look forward to watching the competitions of the champions and champions who will be coming to Italy from all parts of the world,” Sinner added, saying that he would especially like to watch the downhill and giant slalom races live.The importance of volunteers was also emphasized by Diana Bianchedi, Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer of Milan-Cortina 2026 Foundation. “The contribution of volunteers is crucial in creating that unique atmosphere that only the Olympic and Paralympic Games can convey. Without volunteers any edition of the Games would not be possible. We are confident that we will be able to distinguish ourselves in this aspect as well.”- photo xh7/Italpress -(ITALPRESS).
