Dopamine Responses in Medial Frontal Cortex Are More Consistent with a Generalized Arousal Signal Than Signed Reward Prediction Errors.

Volunteerism is widely recognized as the backbone of mega sporting events, as large-scale gatherings such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and FIFA World Cup could not be delivered successfully without the dedication of volunteers (; ). Volunteers perform essential tasks ranging from logistics and hospitality to medical services and fan engagement, usually in unpaid roles, yet their collective contributions generate immense operational, social, cultural, and economic value (). Beyond their immediate roles, volunteers embody the spirit of participation, cultural exchange, and civic pride, making them indispensable not only for the functionality, but also for the symbolism, of mega sporting events. Healthcare student volunteering activities related to health services during pandemic or mega events build practical skills and confidence, support community health, and grow professionally (); for instance, pharmacy students reported increased confidence in patient care after volunteering at football games (). Nursing-student volunteering advances professional development and community engagement by offering practical exposure, empathy-building, and identity formation (). During COVID-19, nursing students gained crisis-management skills and healthcare insight, while specialty contexts (e.g., pediatric palliative care) provided direct patient interaction (; ; ). Participation varies by demographics and is shaped by motivations and barriers, including altruism, identity, and concerns about preparedness (; ). Overall satisfaction from volunteering among nursing students is tied to learning gains, indicating that targeted support and training can reduce hesitation and enhance engagement (). Factors such as age, marital status, and educational background significantly affect nursing students’ willingness to volunteer, highlighting the need for tailored support strategies (). Literature highlights that mega-event volunteerism extends well beyond operational support and produces significant individual, community, and organizational legacies. At the individual level volunteers frequently report outcomes such as enhanced employability, transferable skills, and stronger professional identities, which are particularly meaningful for students entering competitive labor markets (; ; ; ). At the community level volunteerism fosters civic pride, cultural exchange, and social cohesion, with volunteers often positioned as ambassadors of their host countries (; ). At the organizational and policy level well-managed volunteer programs help create sustainable engagement pathways, linking short-term event participation to long-term volunteering infrastructures (; ). However, scholars caution that unfulfilled expectations or misalignment between motivations and experiences can undermine these legacies and potentially erode volunteer satisfaction, discouraging future involvement (; ; ; ).