Motivation of Olympic Volunteers in Russia and China

Abstract

The research objective was to study the motivation of Russian and Chinese volunteers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2014 and 2022. Mega-sport events attract public attention worldwide and require a lot of volunteers. Based on the international scope of Olympic volunteer community, a cross-country analysis of volunteering experience is a relevant topic. The Russian program for training of Olympic volunteers was the first of its kind. It was funded by the state on the basis of educational institutions, non-profit and commercial organizations. China is currently developing its own Olympic volunteer program, which relies mainly on government organizations. The study relied on an online survey of Olympic volunteers. Chinese volunteers appeared to have been motivated by value and defensive reasons, while Russian volunteers were attracted by the informational and professional opportunities that Olympic volunteering has to offer. The research results can help to develop volunteer programs, as well as to improve their effectiveness and popularity.