Rio 2016 opens registration process for Paralympic Volunteer Programme

“The Volunteer Programme of the Rio 2016 Games will reflect Brazilian diversity; of talents, cultures, ages and interests."

Registrations are now open for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games Volunteer Programme.

A total of 70,000 people, Brazilians and foreigners alike, will carry out more than 500 different functions, with 45,000 volunteers involved in the Olympic Games and 25,000 in the Paralympic Games.

Anyone interested in taking part in the selection process has until 15 November 2014 to sign up via the volunteer page on the website.

The programme is wide reaching in the volume and characteristics of the people, but also through the opportunity for personal development that the participants will have at their disposal.

The Rio 2016 Organising Committee will offer an on-line English course for everyone who registers and those selected as volunteers will have an additional period of language classes, in addition to specific training according to their function. The volunteers will also receive a uniform, food and transport on the days they work, and a certificate of participation.

The volunteers represent 33 per cent of the workforce of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with opportunities available for a diverse range of skills and characteristics, including for people with an impairment. Some functions require knowledge and specific skills, which will be performed by specialist volunteers in the areas of Sport, Medical Services, Technology and Languages.

“The Volunteer Programme of the Rio 2016 Games will reflect Brazilian diversity; of talents, cultures, ages and interests. All this diversity will be added to the other thousands of people who will come to Brazil for a greater goal, to participate in the realisation of the largest multisport event in the world with excellence, passion and joy, for the first time in Brazil,” said Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee.

To take part, volunteers must be at least 18 years old as of February 2016 (there is no maximum age limit) and ideally to have completed primary education, as well as being available to participate in the selection process and during the Games.