1. Q: When will the application process for being a volunteer of the 29th Olympic Games start? How many volunteers will be recruited?

A: The application period for Games-time volunteers is between August 2006 and the end of March 2008. The application activity will be launched one after another according to the needs and specific conditions.

1) Following the launch of Games-time volunteers recruitment on August 28, 2006, applicants in Beijing will start to apply.

2). Applicants from provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions outside of Beijing will start to apply in December 2006. The specific application time for applicants in co-host cities will be decided by local Games-related organizations.

Approximately 70,000 and 30,000 volunteers are expected to be recruited for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games respectively.

2. Q: What are the requirements the volunteers of the 29th Olympic Games should meet?

A: Basically, the volunteers of the Olympic Games are required to be 18 years of age or older by June 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 29th 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 29th Olympic Games and 13th Paralympic Games may apply. 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.

3. Q: How do I apply to become a volunteer for the 29th Olympic Games?

A: Ways of application:

The way of application for applicants in Beijing:

Teachers and students in Beijing-based universities (including students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese and foreign students) may apply at the recruiting place within the campus.

Applicants of all walks of life in Beijing shall apply through on-line application system of BOCOG or by mail. In compliance with the demand for specialized volunteers, the relevant organizations entrusted by BOCOG are responsible for the voluntary application of applicants within their organizations. Communication and consulting centers will be set up by local youth league committees of 18 districts and counties.

Applicants from provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions outside Beijing shall apply through the channels defined by provincial, municipal and autonomous regional youth league committees. In conformity with the unified policies formulated by BOCOG, the recruitment of volunteers for co-host cities will be carried out by local Games-related organizations.

Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese as well as foreigners who live and work in Beijing may apply in the same way as Beijing applicants do. The above-mentioned applicants not living or working in Beijing need to apply through on-line application system of BOCOG in compliance with international practice and Olympic rules.

4. Q: What are the terms of employment? Who will bear traveling, meals and lodging expenses for volunteers outside Beijing and overseas?

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will provide them with necessary working conditions, including insurance, clothing, transportation and meals. 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 project participants who made outstanding contribution and excellent performance. Following the Olympic Games, evaluation and citation on volunteers' performance will be carried out.

Moral encouragement is the major form of stimulus and commendation for Olympic volunteers to inspire passion in them and enable them to work in high spirit and obtain valuable and pleasant work experience.

In line with the normal practice of previous editions of the Olympic Games, the volunteers from outside Beijing and overseas need to bear their transportation fees to Beijing and back as well as accommodation fees during their stay in Beijing. BOCOG will make things easier for volunteers directly serving the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games -- it will provide them with Games-time city transportation in defined routes and meals during their service.

5. 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 recruit volunteers from compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as the overseas Chinese to facilitate their participation.

6. Q: What kind of Games-time volunteer assistance is needed?

A: Games-time volunteers mainly offer their voluntary services at venues (including competition venues, training venues and non-competition venues). In line with the specific needs of Olympic and Paralympic Games operations, part of Game-time volunteers will not serve at a fixed venue as their positions are mobile.

Major areas of Games-time volunteer services include protocol and reception, translation, transportation, security, medical service, spectator guiding, articles' distribution, communication, competition organization support, venue operation support, media operation support, cultural activity support and other areas designated by BOCOG.

7. Q: I master many skills except for foreign languages, may I apply? What grade of foreign language(s) should Games-time volunteers meet?

A: All of the Olympic volunteers should be able to use foreign language(s) to communicate. Besides, specific jobs may have their own requirements.

8. Q: I will be 18 years old several months beyond June 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 June 2008 (there is no upper age limit). If you do not 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.

9. Q: What are the sources of Olympic volunteers?

A: Volunteers of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are mainly recruited in Beijing, with students of Beijing's higher education institutions as the principal part. Meanwhile a certain amount of Games-time volunteers will be recruited from residents of provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across the country, compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese and foreigners.

10. 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 offer voluntary services for both Games.

The Preparatory Group of the Volunteer Department of Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG)