Olympics Up Close: Three Volunteers at the German House

Whether it's accreditation, cloakroom services, or guest services, the volunteers at the German House contribute significantly to the atmosphere of this unique meeting place. Coordinated by Messe Düsseldorf, they ensure that athletes, guests, and partners experience the German House as a place of encounter, appreciation, and emotion. Commitment, team spirit, and enthusiasm for sport unite them far beyond the Games.

 “After the 2012 Olympic Games, I came across a call for volunteers for the 2014 Winter Games through Messe Düsseldorf and DSM. I applied and have been volunteering at every Games since. This time, I had the special opportunity to help with the outfitting of Team Germany in Munich. I was also able to attend the press conference where, 17 days before the start of the Olympic Games, the German team for Milano Cortina 2026 was officially nominated.

During the Olympic Games, I worked in accreditation. Thanks to our detailed shift schedule, I had plenty of time to explore Cortina, watch competitions live, or just go jogging. I saw athletes who live near our accommodation in completely authentic, unguarded moments – far away from the cameras and the pressure of competition. But when the two lugers Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt celebrated their bronze medal at the German House, that was my emotional highlight of the Games so far. In moments like that, you feel how close you are to the action."

“Large sporting events like this wouldn’t be possible without volunteers. At the same time, I really enjoy being right in the middle of it all. That’s why I’ve volunteered at several events since 2018, most recently at the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship and at the German House during the Summer Olympics in Paris. Once you’ve experienced it, you can’t get enough.

Everything at the German House is clearly structured and transparently organized. That allows us to focus on our tasks on site while also experiencing a lot of the Games. We rotate through early, mid and night shifts. During that time, we also switch between tasks: we work at the cloakroom, in accreditation and at various stations where we assist guests and answer any questions they may have.

At the beginning, we had heavy snowfall here, so we all had to pitch in and shovel snow. That turned out to be great team building! Overall, the atmosphere at the German House is truly special. Especially in times of global challenges, it’s great to be part of a team connected by a shared sporting goal.”

“As volunteers, we help ensure that athletes experience unforgettable moments. They train for years for their competition and, if everything goes well, they win a medal. Here at the German House they can celebrate and enjoy the moment. 

This time, I was particularly moved by luger Max Langenhan, who appeared very emotional after winning his gold medal and dedicated his success to his family, his team and everyone who supported him. It was a special gesture because the medal itself almost seemed secondary to him. The Olympic Games are a unique event, shaped by intense impressions and a strong sense of community. 

No two days are alike, because you never know what will happen in the competitions or how many people will come. Thanks to the fixed shift schedule and the daily briefings from the Messe Düsseldorf team, everything runs smoothly. And we volunteers always support one another.

We’re simply like a small family in which everyone shares a passion for sports. I come from artistic gymnastics myself, both as an athlete and as a coach. During my studies, I’ve also had the chance to try many other sports. That’s why I’m interested in almost every discipline and watch a lot via the livestream at the German House, but also directly at the venues.”