Matthew Hotos is an incredible volunteer and an avid traveller. Hailing from New York, the 59-year-old American has attended multiple Olympic Games but the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games mark his first time offering his time at the biennial university sports event.
Let’s dive into the inspiring story of this “professional rookie” volunteer.
Originally from Manhattan, Matthew Hotos is a dedicated globetrotter. Over the years, he has participated as a volunteer in numerous international sporting events, including the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, and most recently, the Paris 2024 Summer Games.
Having missed the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, he is determined not to skip Milano Cortina a year from now. “Hopefully, I’ll be volunteering there,” he said. Perhaps as part of his preparation, Hotos arrived in Torino a year beforehand to acclimate to the atmosphere of another Italian winter sports competition.
“I do this in my spare time. I’m retired,” he explained. Formerly a businessman, he now enjoys the next chapter of his life, dedicating his time to volunteering at sporting events around the world.
How can the rest of us achieve our volunteering dreams like he did? Hotos shared practical advice generously. “I was a business owner, so I had my own business for years, and it gives you the luxury of doing other things you want to do. So that’s very important.”
Thanks a lot. That’s really helpful.
A “professional rookie” in Torino
Although Hotos has years of experience, this is his first time volunteering at a FISU event. So, how does he compare the Olympics and the FISU Games?
“They’re different compared to the Olympics. It’s smaller. The structure is the same in terms of how everything works, but my Olympic experience allows me to navigate more easily and help others too,” said the self-described fan of biathlon and figure skating. “A lot of people don’t know how certain things work, but the principles are the same whether it’s the Olympics or smaller events because they follow the same strata principles.”
When fashion meets sports
“They’re different compared to the Olympics. It’s smaller. The structure is the same in terms of how everything works, but my Olympic experience allows me to navigate more easily and help others too,” said the self-described fan of biathlon and figure skating. “A lot of people don’t know how certain things work, but the principles are the same whether it’s the Olympics or smaller events because they follow the same strata principles.” (the picture shows Matthew Hotos volunteering last summer in Paris.)
While this is Hotos’ first time volunteering in Torino, it’s far from his first trip to Italy. “I’ve come to Italy many times because my background is fashion. Milan, Rome, Napoli, Florence, Venice — I’ve been to all those cities.”
Combining the fields of fashion and sports, he has achieved an enviable crossover between two glamorous fields. Interestingly, these two seemingly different industries share surprising connections.
“It’s interesting because the first time I got involved with the Olympic Games was with the Athens 2004 organising committee, where I was responsible for the apparel section. Anything that had to do with clothing, I was responsible for, because athletes have to look good,” he recalled.
Indeed, the opening ceremonies of major international Games are often like a global fashion show, with each nation’s unique uniforms lighting up the parade.
“That’s why we see a lot of sponsorships by top fashion and clothing brands. Athletes want to perform, but they also want to look good. So, there’s always a connection between sports and fashion.”
Driven by passion
What drives Hotos’ passion for global sporting events, transcending countries, age, and industries? His answer is simple but touching. “It all comes down to I like the Olympics. It’s fun. You get to be involved. It’s a great event.”
Whether it’s witnessing an incredible game, watching a world record being broken, or making a new sport-fanatic friend while waiting for a shuttle bus, the magic of athletic events is something that can’t be put into words. And for people like Hotos, it’s impossible to say goodbye to this world of inspiration and connection.
As he said when bidding farewell to the FISU Young Reporter, “I will keep doing it as long as I can!”
The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.
Written by Boyi Yang, FISU Young Reporter, China
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.
We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.