Sporting events, big and small, bring vitality to communities around the world. Perhaps no better example exists today than right here in Lake Placid.  

From serving as a powerful economic engine for our communities to providing activities for children and families to creating many other direct and indirect benefits, events have been an enduring and positive force in our Olympic Region throughout our history.  

That part is obvious. What may seem less immediately evident but no less monumental are the many enduring and positive impacts of volunteers at those events.  

Volunteer Kathy Critelli on right arm in arm with a guest (left) both smiling inside the Intervales Lodge at the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Kathy Critelli (on right) providing hospitality at the Ski Jumping World Cup in February. “This woman and her whole family adopted me, says Kathy. “She made this ‘tiara’ for me because she wanted me to be part of Poland.”

Throughout our more than 100 years of sports event history, teams of volunteers have been supporting and strengthening our events all along. They also support and strengthen the experiences of athletes who compete in them. That includes events of all sizes and all levels of competition. In fact, it’s no stretch to say that our long legacy and much of what our community has achieved through the last century would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, and that fact remains true to this day.  

It’s also true no matter where you go in the world today, tens of millions of volunteers around the globe play a wide range of roles in the success of sporting events. From general assistance, such as handing out water, to skill-specific help like medical support, volunteers provide critical contributions that make a clear difference for the athletes, the teams, the venues, the spectators, and the host communities.  

Just recently, for example, at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Lake Placid, 213 total volunteers – 92 providing specific, skilled assistance and 121 performing a range of general duties – gave their time and effort to create a superbly unique, world-class experience for athletes from around the world as well as their thousands of cheering fans.  

“I’ve been an Olympic Authority volunteer for over 20 years,” says Kathy Critelli. “I’ve been on the ice at the Olympic Center helping groups do skating, curling, and broomball. I’ve helped set up for events and done VIP hospitality and more.”  

Kathy’s list of volunteer roles is extensive, but she’s quick to point out the joys, too. “I get to interact with a great group of people, both Olympic Authority staff and fellow volunteers, and they’ve become a little family,” she says. “There’s a lot of happiness in welcoming visitors to our beautiful area and our magnificent Olympic venues. Plus, we get vouchers to ski and enjoy the attractions ourselves.”  

“More than anything,” adds Kathy, “I enjoy giving back to my community and the Olympic venues I enjoy so much. I have a lot of pride living in an area with so much to offer.”  

Four smiling volunteers (two unknown from left plus Tom Toole and Lisa Toole on right) just off the road at the entrance of Mt Van Hoevenberg in summer.
Tom and Lisa Toole (right) with two other volunteers at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

Making It All Happen 

“We have about 300 active volunteers at any given time,” says the Olympic Authority’s Events Personnel Manager, Eric Paul. “They were there for us at about 20 different events this year. Everyone involved can plainly see just how much their roles mean to the athletes and to our staff as well. They’re working right alongside us, and they have just as much passion as we do. They represent this community and all its history really well, and for every one of us, it’s personally rewarding to see all the athletes and coaches and spectators walk away and be in awe of what we’re doing.” 

Depending on its size and the sport involved, an event may require anywhere from a few volunteers to 200 or more as did the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in February. With often widely varying roles to fill, Eric says he always takes into consideration every volunteer’s individual experiences, desires, and talents. For some roles, there’s a level of certification required. For others, volunteers get to pick their positions.  

“We can’t do everything we do without such great volunteers,” says Eric. “They mean so much to us, and we know that a lot of the work they do is difficult. That makes it extra rewarding for me to go the extra mile to treat them all well and make sure they know we respect their time and everything they do.”  

Tom and Lisa Toole together at the Olympic Jumpng Complex in winter with a view of Whiteface Mountain in the background.
Tom and Lisa Toole volunteering at the Olympic Jumping Complex.

Volunteer Viewpoints 

Regulars like Steve Drozdyk enjoy it so much, they keep coming back. “I’ve been volunteering about 15 years,” says Steve, “at Mt Van Hoevenberg, the ski jumps, and the hockey arenas. Most days I am at my full-time job with a lot of responsibilities, and volunteering here offers me a getaway with great camaraderie and a chance to meet new people and learn new things. Then there’s also being up close to the athletes, and that’s fun, too.”  

One of those new people Steve connected with is also a regular volunteer, Beth Zick. “I’ve been at it about three years,” says Beth. “It’s always interesting and has been really fun meeting new people. I like active jobs the best, but there’s a wide variety to consider. These are top notch facilities, and when you volunteer, you have an insider’s view of all that goes on. For me, that’s really fascinating.”  

Local residents Tom and Lisa Toole are also regular volunteers. Tom says they’re always looking for fun things to do. From scoring, starting, and other duties at biathlon events to course setup, timing and helping at the finish of cross country races to ski jump hill marker and distance recorder to serving as official host at Whiteface Mountain, it seems that Tom and Lisa have done it all.  

“Being behind the scenes and learning all the details that go into an event,” he says is one of the big rewards. “That and being a part of making events well run for all the athletes, too. We’ve met the best people out there as volunteers.”  

A smiling Lisa Toole standing with a clip board and a USA Luge volunteer jacket at the finish line at Mt Van Hoevenberg.
Lisa Toole at the USA Luge World Cup finish line.

The Sometimes Surprising Benefits 

Leading busy lives, it’s often hard to find the time to volunteer, but the benefits can be enormous. By helping others, by contributing to the community, and by being involved in something bigger than oneself, volunteers naturally reduce their stress levels, counteract depression and anxiety, and find a welcome sense of gratitude and purpose. That’s in addition to other benefits like connecting with community, learning new skills, good food, and even the free lift and activity tickets one receives.  

One major recurring point of view nearly all Olympic Authority volunteers recognize is that contributing to the community through sports volunteering provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Often a profound one. Knowing that what you are doing directly impacts others and helps make your community a healthier, happier place will boost almost anyone’s spirits. In fact, it’s been widely shown in scientific studies that meaningful volunteer work offers lasting increases to self-esteem and overall well-being.  

Eric notes the Olympic Authority is eager to add other tangible rewards on top of those important personal benefits of volunteering. “They really treat you well,” says Steve. “One way is with really good food. It can be hard work, and you get hungry. They take care of you in ways that are important, and the food is one of them.”  

There are also lift tickets and attractions coupons. “They really stepped it up for the volunteers,” insists Steve on the topic of lift tickets and free admission to activities. Every volunteer who dedicates themselves to a four-hour shift or more in a single day is granted an option between a Lift Ticket Coupon or an Attractions Coupon. Everyone who dedicates fewer than four hours on any one-day shift receives an Attractions Coupon. 

Lift Ticket Coupons can be used at any of the Olympic Authority’s three alpine skiing venues – Whiteface Mountain, Gore Mountain, or Belleayre Mountain, and the Attractions Coupon is good for a whole range of fun things to do in all seasons from scenic gondola rides to mountain biking to skating and even the Veterans’ Memorial Highway up Whiteface Mountain. Click this link for a full list 

A total of thirteen volunteers on skis tamping down the landing area at the Olympic Jumping Complex as seen from a distance.
Hill Stomper volunteers at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, February 09, 2024. 

Plus, volunteers can share these perks with family and friends, too. Collect several coupons and take them all out for a day of fun and adventure.  

“Many of us don’t expect the perks,” says Kathy, “but it’s a great show of appreciation. We live in an area with so much to offer, and vouchers help us save money and enjoy all the venues.”   

Getting Involved 

“What made us volunteer for the first time was really a love of the Adirondacks and Lake Placid,” recalls Steve. “I want to give back, but there’s also the camaraderie and just plain old fun.”  

Beth adds, “It’s like a club you can choose to join. You need to fill out a form the first time, but it’s totally worthwhile. It’s actually sad to think some people miss out on the opportunity because they simply don’t fill out the form.”  

Says Tom, “Just give it a try. All you need is the desire to help. The officials and staff and fellow volunteers are all happy to help you along.”  

To get involved, the first step is reviewing the Olympic Authority’s volunteer web page and filling out the online form. Or start by reaching out with questions for Eric via email at [email protected] 

“My love for the Adirondacks is strong, and the whole volunteering thing is part of my life now,” says Steve with a gentle smile. “To me it’s definitely a win-win.”