This 89-year-old 'King of the Volunteers' at the Olympics will star in the closing ceremony

Mario Gargiulo, an 89-year-old Italian volunteer known as the 'King of the Volunteers,' will star in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Verona, Italy, 70 years after his first attendance at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina. The Naples native, who was just 20 when he first traveled to northern Italy for the Games, never imagined he would return to the Olympic stage in such a prominent role. Gargiulo has dedicated seven decades to Olympic volunteering, becoming an iconic figure within the Olympic movement. His journey from a young spectator to a celebrated volunteer highlights the enduring spirit of the Olympics and the commitment of individuals who contribute to its success across generations. The organizers have chosen to honor his extraordinary dedication by giving him a special place in the closing ceremony, recognizing his unparalleled service to the Olympic Games.