What began as a search for tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics evolved into a trip Brian Casinghino will never forget. A past visitor to Italy and a sports enthusiast, Casinghino thought it would be great to merge those interests and try to get Olympic tickets. As he searched for them online in the fall of 2024, he came across an application for the Olympic volunteer team. Thinking he had nothing to lose, he filled it out and submitted it. “It did take some time to complete as it was similar to a resume, wanting to know your professional background, the extent of your volunteer activities, your sports background etc.” reported Casinghino,” and a lot of the questions centered around what I could contribute to the spirit of the Olympics.”
Back here in Suffield, Casinghino’s family is well known for its sports affiliation and volunteerism. His father, Lou, served on the Parks and Rec Commission for 35 years, and Brian is currently its chair having been on it since 2010. In that capacity he oversees a host of recreational and sports offerings for a variety of the population.
Indeed, the tennis complex between the intermediate school and the middle school was named for Brian’s grandfather, Carlo, due to a significant donation by Lou in memory of his father. Additionally, wife Heather is a physical education teacher at the middle school and has coached field hockey for years. The kids are no slouches either, with Anna playing varsity field hockey at UConn and Daniel running Iron Man triathlons.
Photo provided by Brian Casinghino
Brian at the ski slope at the Paralympics in Cortina, Italy.
When the kids were younger, Casinghino coached baseball, softball, basketball, soccer (assistant) and gymnastics. He has also volunteered at the many road races held in Suffield, so it was no surprise that he passed the first application hurdle.
Months after the application submission, he had an hour long Zoom interview which further delved into his background, interests, professional activities, and volunteer and athletic involvement. Subsequently, he was notified that he had attained “reserve” status. It was not until December 2025 that he was officially assigned to closing ceremonies at the Paralympics in Cortina.
With that came 15 different modules of training ranging from first aid to Olympic rules, cultural etiquette to sensitivity awareness with an emphasis on values. Each module was accompanied by a 15-minute quiz.
The Paralympics were held from March 6-15 with athletes from 54 countries participating. Casinghino was given a time to report to receive his credentials which admitted him to the various competitions (and cafeteria!) and volunteer swag which included Olympic/Paralympic emblazoned jackets (2), polo shirts, pants, and boots.
Obtaining transportation and lodging was totally up to him and he found a small hotel about 40 miles from the main venue run by a couple. “The husband owner, Giuseppi, was also a volunteer and very helpful to me. Although I had rented a car, the bus transportation was great and Giuseppi and I would ride into the activities together,” said Casinghino. “He also helped me get assigned two more shifts- one at the downhill races and one at the curling rink.”
It was difficult for Casinghino to choose his best memory because there were so many wonderful things about his experience. Certainly, the bars at night where he met up with athletes, volunteers and attendees to share stories and get to know a little about them. All of the athletes’ stories were inspirational and it gave him pause to think of what they had overcome to get there. One young woman from Australia had been an Iron Man competitor before a tragic accident left her a paraplegic, but there she was competing. He felt a sense of wonderment at the indomitable spirit of the athletes and that so many strangers could come together in such harmony to celebrate them and their common humanity. When push came to shove however, Casinghino concluded that it was walking with an Argentinian who needed assistance in waving his country’s flag in the closing ceremony.
Leaving the event with a number of new friends who promised to keep in touch, Casinghino was already thinking about volunteering at the next winter Olympics in France.