Utah's volunteers were one of the stories of the 2002 Winter Games, and Salt Lake City's 2034 bid highlighted volunteerism as one of the region's strengths. If you want to be part of it, the practical news is that it is too early to apply, and exactly the right time to start preparing.
How the 2002 volunteer program worked
The Salt Lake Organizing Committee recruited volunteers for pre-Games events, for the Olympic Winter Games and for the Paralympic Winter Games, and that is why the totals you will see differ. The governor's office puts the Games-time volunteer force at 22,000; the Utah Historical Society counts more than 26,000 people who helped athletes, tourists and spectators.
Many roles needed no special skills. Others were demanding: hundreds of people helped with language translation, and some families hosted visitors from other countries in their homes.
What organizers have said about 2034
- Applications have not opened. As of October 2026 the organizing committee had not announced when Games-time volunteer applications would open.
- Experience helps. Event volunteering is the most direct way to show you can handle a Games-time role.
- Host cities are already planning. A Host Communities Committee of mayors, including Provo's venue community, began meeting in June 2025 to plan how the Games will work in each city.
How to get ready now
Because experience helps, the useful thing to do between now and the early 2030s is to volunteer at sporting events.
- The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation uses volunteers at competitions and events at the three 2002 venues it runs: the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns and Soldier Hollow near Midway, the closest of the three to Provo.
- World Cup events. The Legacy Foundation hosts numerous World Cups and sport events every year, and it recruits technical volunteers for roles such as timing and on-ice positions.
- The Utah Sports Commission brings national and international events to the state throughout the year and uses volunteers for them.
- LA28. The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles has opened Games-time volunteer applications, which is one way to gain Olympic experience before 2034.
Keep a record of where and when you served, so it is ready when applications open.
What the Games need from Utah Valley
Utah County has one competition venue, Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, which hosted hockey in 2002 and will host events again in 2034, and the Games will need people at every venue, in transportation and in welcoming visitors from abroad. For what the Games will and will not change here, see What 2034 Means for Utah Valley.
Practical notes
- Do not wait for applications. Experience built now is the best preparation.
- Start with the Legacy Foundation. Its venues run events every year.
- Learn a sport's technical side. Technical volunteers are especially needed.
- Watch the organizing committee's site. That is where the volunteer program will be announced.
Related Guides
- The 2034 Winter Olympics: Every Venue
- What 2034 Means for Utah Valley Housing, Traffic and Jobs
- Utah Valley's Olympians
- Soldier Hollow
- Peaks Ice Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I sign up to volunteer for the 2034 Olympics?
How many people volunteered at the 2002 Olympics?
How can I improve my chances of being chosen?
Can I volunteer at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?
Do I need special skills to volunteer?
Which 2002 Olympic venues use volunteers today?
Is there a 2034 Olympic venue in Utah County?
Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Office of the Governor of Utah. Checked October 12, 2026.
- Utah Historical Society. Checked October 12, 2026.
- Salt Lake City Mayor's Office. Checked October 12, 2026.
- Salt Lake City. Checked October 12, 2026.
- Provo City. Checked October 12, 2026.
- Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. Checked October 12, 2026.
- LA28. Checked October 12, 2026.
