"We are going to have some spectacular performance components that showcase dance, highlight unique abilities and celebrate the athletes."

Looking for a chance to create lifetime memories as part of a huge international event with thousands watching live and millions more tuning in around the world? Five thousand spots are available starting today for volunteers wanting to be a part of the breathtaking and inspiring Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is looking for volunteers with all types of abilities and performance skills to participate and play a part in sharing Canada with the world. All performers aged six or older as of 1 September 2009 are invited to apply at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. The deadline for applications is 9 October 2009.

“We are looking for thousands of people who are brimming with enthusiasm and wear their hearts on their sleeves to perform in these large-scale productions. No previous experience is necessary,” said David Guscott, VANOC’s Executive Vice President of Celebrations and Partnerships. “We want the audience and athletes to get swept up in the magic as we celebrate their incredible stories and encourage them to reach for their dreams here in Canada in 2010.”

A creative team from across Canada, announced last month, has been assembled by ceremonies producer Patrick Roberge Productions (PRP) to stage the ceremonies and direct the 5,000 volunteer performers.

“We can hardly wait to meet these volunteers and work with them,” said Patrick Roberge. “They are going to have an amazing experience. We are going to have some spectacular performance components that showcase dance, highlight unique abilities and celebrate the athletes.”

On 12 March 2010 the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will take place at BC Place in downtown Vancouver in front of 55,000 people, including over a thousand of the top Paralympic athletes, coaches and officials in the world.

Nine days later, the Games will draw to its official end in the Host Mountain Resort of Whistler in a unique outdoor amphitheatre designed especially for the Olympic and Paralympic Victory Ceremonies and the Paralympic Closing Ceremony. VANOC and PRP are looking to engage volunteer performers from the Sea to Sky region to highlight the picturesque community.

Tickets are still available for both Paralympic ceremonies and can be purchased later this fall when Phase 3 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games ticketing programme is launched. Tickets are $30 to $175.

Recruitment of ceremonies volunteers is being supported through limited advertising and targeted outreach to cultural and sport organizations.

Audition and rehearsal timelines:

Auditions will take place over several months starting in October. There will be no open casting calls and auditions will be scheduled by invitation to online applicants. Candidates will be notified by the end of November if they have been successful in landing a ceremonies role. Rehearsals start in January, on evenings and weekends, and will take a two-week break during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games from 12-28 February 2010. Rehearsals will resume on 1 March with increased length and frequency, and will continue throughout the Paralympic Winter Games period.

For more information on ways to participate in the ceremonies, visit www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies.