Joanne Di Tomasso comments

I've been volunteering at the Olympic games and major international sports events since 1976. And yes, one does travel and volunteer at their own expense. Occasionally living arrangements are offered, but very rarely.

I love to travel and I enjoy attending sports events, so why not immerse myself and get acquainted with the country I am in and with people from all over the world. I've taken vacation time to do so and now that I am retired, I actually arrive much earlier to visit and appreciate the country I am in and also familiarize myself with the venues I am volunteering at.

I can't speak for the people of Japan, however I can say that there has never been a shortage of international volunteers for every event I have volunteered at over the past 40 something years and the quantity of social media groups for volunteers by country for 2020 confirm it won't be different for Tokyo.

For those saying they don't agree or want to participate, then don't. For those saying there are better causes to volunteer for, why not do both?

Greetings from Montreal, Canada and see you in Tokyo in 2020!