Manage the athletes and provide support at the various competition venues, such as the Ice Hockey Arena in Santa Giulia and Rho Fiera. Lisa Bonfiglio is one of the 18,000 volunteers of Milan Cortina who, together with the Foundation’s employees, prepared the Winter Olympics, the great sporting event involving Milan, Valtellina and Cortina until 22 February.
From athlete assistance to volunteer selection
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“One of the main tasks of us volunteers” – says Lisa – “includes the constant assistance of the athletes between the field and the changing rooms and during training. We also supply them with water, fruit and snacks. Some of us, like the ‘Pioneers’ (a selected group of former champions and athletes, ed.) also supported the initial stages of selection of other volunteers”.
In general, we work closely with Foundation employees. I feel like saying that we are essential enough to support the huge amount of work that hired staff alone would not be able to manage.
Between opportunities and challenges
“One of the biggest critical issues” – Lisa continues – “was certainly the distribution of uniforms: often, for example, the correct sizes were missing. Then there were some bureaucratic hitches with the delivery of accreditations. And then, yes, in some venues, right up to the end, there was still a somewhat construction site atmosphere, with some delays compared to other more ready areas”.
How hard the volunteers of Milan Cortina work
“Volunteering” – specifies Bonfiglio – “requires a minimum availability of 9 days, generally organized with alternating shifts. I chose 15. There is no pay, but all volunteers receive a meal during the shift and symbolic gadgets such as pins or thermal mugs which increase in value based on the days of service provided”.
Passion for sport and international approach
“If I had to indicate some requirements to be a volunteer, I would certainly say a great passion for sport and the ability to work in international contexts. Then, obviously, the ability to be in a group and work as a team. We collaborate with the Foundation’s employees every day.”
A look at the future
Among her dreams, Lisa has no doubts: “I will go to China for a year to learn the Chinese language even better, which I already study at university. And then, why not, I would like to collaborate for the new Olympics”. Next stop: Los Angeles.
date: 2026-02-08 05:09:00
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