FAQ about Volunteers of 29th Olympic Games & 13th Paralympic Games
Q: When will application start? How many volunteers will be recruited?
A: Those who reside in and outside of Beijing (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and in other countries and regions and wish to become volunteers for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games may apply for the purpose. The open recruitment officially begins in August 2006 and ends at the end of April 2008. Approximately 70,000 and 30,000 volunteers will be recruited for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games respectively.
Q: What are the requirements that the applicants should meet?
A: Basically, the volunteers are required to be 18 years of age or older by April 2008 (with no upper age limit). They should abide by China's laws and regulations, have the competence and quality required by designated posts, be willing to provide voluntary services for the Olympic Games and accept BOCOG leadership and management.
All of the Olympic volunteers should be able to use foreign language(s) to communicate. Besides, different jobs may have their specific requirements.
Those who meet the above-mentioned requirements and are willing to devote their time and energy to voluntarily serving the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games may make applications. Our prior consideration will be given to those who have the sense of social responsibility, outstanding moral character, certain experience in voluntary services and good record of social credit.
Q: What is the recruitment process and how do I apply to become a volunteer?
A: The recruitment process includes: announcement of demand and requirements, applicant entry, personal information verification, job pre-assignment and interview, preliminary job assignment, admission notice, mission acceptance and background verification. Those who finally sign the letter of commitment will officially become the Olympic volunteers to provide voluntary services for the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Applicants can fill out and submit their application forms through Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games volunteer recruitment website or send them by mail.
Q: What are the terms of employment? Who will bear the travel and accommodation expenses for volunteers outside Beijing and abroad?
A: We will keep the number of volunteers relatively stable through citation, award and relevant logistics support. Moral encouragement is the major form of stimulus to inspire the Olympic volunteers with passion and enable them to work in high spirit and obtain valuable and pleasant working experience.
Prior to the Olympic Games, BOCOG will periodically organize the volunteers to engage in various activities and disseminate them a special publication. During the Games-time, we will provide them with essential working conditions, including insurance, clothing, transport and food. Based on their service hours and service effect, we will give them an appropriate reward. Special award will be given to the volunteer collectives, individuals and volunteer service projects who made outstanding contribution and performance. Following the Olympic Games, appraisal and citation on volunteers' performance will be carried out.
In line with the normal practice of previous editions of the Olympic Games, the volunteers from outside Beijing and overseas need to bear the charge for their return tickets and accommodation in Beijing. However, BOCOG will provide Games-time volunteers with city transport and board.
Q: My children and some of my friends reside abroad and some of them hold a foreign passport. Can they apply to become a volunteer?
A: The Beijing Olympic Games is a grand gathering which the Chinese all over the world care about and look forward to. We will set up a special program to recruit volunteers from our compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as the overseas Chinese.
Q: What kind of jobs can Games-time volunteers get?
A: Their jobs include protocol and reception, translation, transport, security, medical service, spectator guiding, articles' distribution, communication, competition organization support, venue operations support, media operations support, cultural activity support and others.
Q: I master many skills except for foreign languages, may I make an application?
A: All of the Olympic volunteers should be able to use foreign language(s) to communicate. Besides, specific jobs may have their own requirements.
Q: I will be 18 years old several months beyond April 2008, could you do me a favor and let me apply?
A: According to the age limit set by BOCOG, the Olympic volunteers must be 18 years of age or older by April 2008 (there is no upper age limit). If you cannot meet the age requirement, you are advised to take part in the "Towards Olympics" Volunteer Project, which is the way you may contribute to the Olympic Games too.
Q: What is the source and composition of Olympic volunteers?
A: The main part of the volunteers is university and college students in Beijing, with the rest being those from all walks of life in Beijing, those from various provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions on the mainland, those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese and friends from foreign countries.
According to BOCOG, the volunteers will be composed of ten groups: university and college students, middle school students, those from all walks of life, those from all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, those in five co-host cities, those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, foreign students in Beijing, international volunteers and specialized volunteers.
Q: May I apply for being both an Olympic Games volunteer and a Paralympic Games volunteer?
A: Yes, you may make both applications concurrently to provide voluntary services for both Games.
The Preparatory Group of the Volunteer Department
