Volunteers
Be part of something big – be a volunteer!
We are looking for 20,000 volunteers for the world's biggest inclusive sports event, the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 (17-25 June). More than 7,000 athletes from all over the world will travel to Berlin to perform at their best —and we need you to help make their stay unforgettable.
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We are looking forward to your application
Join our international volunteer team and support us with your skills so that we can offer all Special Olympics athletes and guests a unique Berlin experience and celebrate an unforgettable festival of inclusion together.
You can apply for the National Games in Berlin 2022 (19-24 June) as well. We will host the event together with 3,500 volunteers who support us in various areas.
Your benefits as a Volunteer
- Meet international athletes from 170 delegations
- Free entry to all competitions and free use of public transport
- Volunteer clothing and merchandise – keep the pin sharing traditions alive!
- Meals and beverages
- Volunteer certificate
- Volunteer celebration
- Make friends with people from all around the world
- And much more!
Who can be a Volunteer?
It does not matter if you already have experience or if you want to be a volunteer for the first time.
Criteria overview:
Criteria overview:
- Full application until Autumn 2022
- To participate in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, you must be 16 years or older by 1 May 2023
- Communication in German or English
- Availability for at least 5 days
- Participation in volunteer trainings
Volunteer Group
Would you like to volunteer together with your classmates, friends, or acquaintances from your sports club?
You are welcome to apply as a Volunteer Group. A Volunteer Group consists of at least 14 members and a group leader.
Of course you can also apply as an Individual Volunteer. Don't worry! Even if you apply alone, you will get to know many people from all over the world and quickly make new friends.
We are happy to help
Do you need some assistance with your application? We offer support in Easy English, application support, instructional videos, and more.
Do you still have questions about the process? We are happy to help you directly.
You can find all information on our Volunteer application support page by clicking on the button below.
LEARN MORE
Do you still have questions about the process? We are happy to help you directly.
You can find all information on our Volunteer application support page by clicking on the button below.
LEARN MORE
What are you
waiting for?
COVID-19 Disclaimer:
Upon being selected as a volunteer, you may be requested to complete a COVID survey, which could include providing vaccination-related information. It is very likely that vaccination proof will be required and, at minimum, there will be COVID prevention/testing protocol prior to and during the Games. We look forward to welcoming you in Berlin and appreciate your support to ensure that we can create the safest environment for the event.
Your Volunteer Journey
Areas and roles
There is a suitable role for everyone. During the application process, you can select up to three preferred volunteer areas.
We will try our best to assign you to your preferred area, however, we cannot guarantee this.
We will try our best to assign you to your preferred area, however, we cannot guarantee this.
Access Management
Be responsible for managing all entry and access control points at the venues. The tasks include the checking of tickets and credentials, as well as providing guidance to designated areas.
Accommodation
Welcome the delegations and guests to the official hotels and provide them with support during their stay. Be the hotel's contact person and report to the accommodation team.
Accreditation
Assist in production, printing, and distribution of personalized accreditations. Support the daily operations at the Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Center (UDAC).
Administration
Support the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) with daily administrative, legal, and human resources tasks like invoicing, procurement, inventory, and onboarding of the workforce.
Catering
Support in the various hospitality areas during the all-day catering supply for athletes and all other client groups at sports venues, as well as other event locations.
Ceremonies
Support the overall planning and operations of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. Help during rehearsals and provide support to athletes and performers during the ceremonies.
Communications
Support with developing Games content (photo, video, and text) for social media, our website, and other platforms. Also, assist in writing news articles and inspiring stories.
Delegation Services
Support the more than 170 participating delegations, for example, with their arrival and departure, their participation in meetings, the opening and closing ceremony, as well as other events.
Family Services
Support family members of the athletes during the entirety of their stay in Berlin. Provide them with information about Berlin, the Games, as well as other events, and assist at the Family Desk.
Hospitality
Welcome and greet honored guests, delegations, and families at various venues and facilities. Oversee daily preparations and operations of the guest lounges at the venues.
Logistics
Assist with the setup of temporary facilities at the venues. Support the warehouse and delivery logistics with tracking the arrival, departure, loading, and unloading of goods.
Marketing
Take part in promotional activities, sponsor activations and support at merchandise stalls. Supervise branding and signage at the venues as well as the creatives and designs.
Media
Ensure the smooth running of media centers and manage mixed zone operations (photos and interviews). Assist in content production and provide information to media representatives.
Non-Sport Events
Help facilitate the non-sports programs such as the Special Olympics Festival, the torch run, cultural projects, international forums, and the athletes’ party.
Spectator Services
Be the first to welcome spectators from all around the world and provide them with support at the venues. Ensure that they have memorable experiences during the Games.
Sports
Help organizing the various sports competitions and assist athletes, officials, and the competition manager. Provide support during sports presentations and award ceremonies.
Sustainability
Support the environmental and social sustainability measures during the Games. Educate spectators on sustainability topics like waste separation, active transportation, and food production.
Technology
Support with technology services at the venues. For example, with IT infrastructure, competition timing and scoring, and day-to-day checks of technical equipment.
Transport
Support the movement of all constituent groups from arrival to departure, from hotels to competition venues, and other events. Act as a volunteer driver or help manage transport requests.
Venue Management
Support the overall management and daily operations at competition venues. This could include administrative tasks, overall setup before the Games, and supervision of all facilities.
Volunteer Management
Support the volunteer team with uniform distribution, onboarding activities, workforce planning, supervision of the volunteer lounges, and the organization of volunteer engagement activities.
Specialist Roles
We have something more in store. If you are available to support us for more than five days and you love challenges, we have the following specialist roles for you:
Key Volunteer
Act as responsible staff members in several venue-based roles, as well as have supervisory duties over volunteers.
Tandem Team
A tandem team consists of one volunteer with ID and one volunteer without a disability. Both will do all the tasks together.
Delegation Assistant Liaison (DAL) / Dedicated Host
Be the main point of contact between the LOC and a delegation.
Act as logistical aides to Honored Guests throughout their stay.
Act as logistical aides to Honored Guests throughout their stay.
Healthy Athletes®
Support our medical experts during the screening and consulting of athletes in one of the seven Healthy Athletes® disciplines.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
I have never volunteered before. Can I apply anyway?
Yes! There is a suitable role for everyone and we are looking forward to your support.
You will receive thorough training and information about your tasks. You will also get to know the places you will be assigned to and, of course, the team you will be working with.
You will receive thorough training and information about your tasks. You will also get to know the places you will be assigned to and, of course, the team you will be working with.
I am a person with disabilities. Can I volunteer?
Yes, definitely!
We will be happy to have you onboard as one of our volunteers. Its is very important to us that everybody can participate in the volunteer program.
We will be happy to have you onboard as one of our volunteers. Its is very important to us that everybody can participate in the volunteer program.
Do I have to live in Germany to become a volunteer?
No, applications are open to international residents, and everyone interested in volunteering is welcome to apply.
However, you do need a valid entry permit for Germany to participate.
However, you do need a valid entry permit for Germany to participate.
Will there be accommodation arrangements for volunteers?
All volunteers are responsible for arranging and paying any accommodation they may require before or during the Games.
However, we are happy to help you get in touch with other volunteers so you can organize your accommodation together.
However, we are happy to help you get in touch with other volunteers so you can organize your accommodation together.
How will the trainings be held?
Most trainings will be held digitally – in German and English – as well as in Easy English. We will also offer simultaneous interpretation in German Sign Language or International Sign.
You should plan to be in Berlin for the Venue Training, which will take place a few days before the Games.
You should plan to be in Berlin for the Venue Training, which will take place a few days before the Games.
How can I get in contact with the Volunteer Team?
Please contact us via email at volunteers@berlin2023.org.