Volunteer programme

A workforce of 2,500 volunteers will be essential to powering the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Those who applied must be at least 16 before the start of the event and were asked to commit to a minimum of seven day shifts of volunteering, with each lasting eight hours.

Applicants applied for roles through the volunteer management system, where they were able to highlight areas where they would like to volunteer during the World Championships and its accompanying events. 

There was also the opportunity to apply as a group so you could submit an application alongside family and friends.

All volunteers will be given a uniform which they will be able to keep, surprises and small gifts, as well as a photo identification card.

One meal will be provided per shift.

As well as being in place at the stadium, volunteers will also be on hand in locations such as the airport, hotels and on buses. 

The volunteers will be the lifeblood of the World Athletics Championships ©Budapest 2023
The volunteers will be the lifeblood of the World Athletics Championships ©Budapest 2023


Training event

More than 2,000 of the chosen volunteers attended a training event at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest in April 2023.

They watched presentations from those in charge of different areas at the World Championships, received gift packages and watched a show.

A quiz offered a lucky few tickets to the World Championships.

The training also covered the sustainability of the World Championships, the structure of the stadium and its surroundings and various maps.

It is hoped the day will have helped the volunteers to expertly serve the athletes and other guests who will attend the World Championships from all over the globe.

Around 2,000 of the volunteers attended a training day in Budapest in April 2023 ©Budapest 2023
Around 2,000 of the volunteers attended a training day in Budapest in April 2023 ©Budapest 2023

Information included how to deal with the expected 3,500 media representatives, as well as an anti-doping session.

Between May and July, specific training for volunteers will take place in their different areas.

Some will get the opportunity to trial their roles during the Hungarian National Championships in July, and they will also visit the stadium.

"This is a solemn moment, you are part of this team from today," Budapest 2023 chief executive Balázs Németh told the volunteers. 

"The World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 can only become the best World Championships of all time if everyone gives more than 100 per cent."

The youngest volunteer to attend the event was 16, while the oldest was 83.