Wang Yuanyuan
MORE than 60,000 people from around the world have applied to become Universiade volunteers, including about 30,000 from the city s four colleges.
Applicants include Chinese and foreigners and most are aged under 25, the Universiade organizing committee said yesterday.
The city plans to recruit a total of 22,000 volunteers for the Games. The deadline for applications is March 31.
Those selected will work at sports venues offering services such as translations, help with public transport, public security and health care, said Zhang Zhihua, vice head of the city s committee of the Communist Youth League of China.
Recruiting for volunteer interpreters will start soon in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou. Volunteers are particularly needed for French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Korean.
The department also plans to recruit 1,071 volunteers for the opening and closing ceremonies.
A total of 100 volunteer lecturers are wanted to give training courses for volunteers. Experienced personnel can apply before March 30. The courses will relate to safety, foreign affairs, voluntary service, etiquette and first aid, Zhang said.
Residents can call 12355 for applications and consultations.
There will be 818 volunteer work stations, or U Stations, established in the city from July 1 to Aug. 29, including 750 around the city and 68 inside the sports stadiums.
The first two U Stations will open in May on a trial basis and suggestions for improving the service would be welcomed.
