London 2012 promised to create a lasting culture of volunteering, but enthusiasm faded due to weak legacy planning.

· Mega-events routinely sell the illusion of long-term social impact, yet most fail to deliver sustained volunteer participation.

· Volunteers want more than visibility; they need meaningful roles, skills development, and pathways to continued engagement.

· Without structural inclusion—addressing barriers like cost, access, and targeted outreach—volunteering legacies will remain inequitable.

· Future events must integrate legacy from the outset, partner with local organisations, and invest long after the final whistle to ensure real, lasting community benefits.