Guangzhou, March 19 - The Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) is pleased to announce that as of midnight on March 17 over 660,000 people have applied to be volunteers for the Guangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games, among which 68 percent turn out to be students.

Since recruitment was launched in April, 2009, GAGOC has recorded over 660,000 registrations from the Official Websites of the Games, mobile phone platform, 95 fixed recruiting stations and mobile recruiting stations around the city. "The recruitment programme for the Guangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games volunteers now has entered the next phase to conduct the selection exercise now," said Wang Huanqing, Director of Volunteers Department of GAGOC, at a press conference on March 18.

The Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) holds a press conference on March 18.

It is revealed that Volunteers Department of GAGOC has already set up volunteer recruitment and training bases for the Guangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games in 43 higher education institutions across the city like Sun Yat-sen University, South China University of Technology, and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, 21 of which are appointed as demonstration bases.

Under the arrangement agreed with Volunteers Department of GAGOC, higher education institutions around the city of Guangzhou will be responsible for devising selection strategies and criteria, establishing dedicated teams for the assessment and interviews, and processing applications.

The assessment for recruitment of volunteers covers the English language ability, comprehensive knowledge, professional test and emotional strength, while the selection exercise for Games-time volunteers will be carried out together with GAGOC departments.

"We are to first start the selection for City Volunteers within this month in Haizhu District of Guangzhou, and there will be tests, interviews and assessments for applicants by then," added Wang. Recruitment for City Volunteers is still open now; locals interested in volunteering might file up applications at www.gzv2010.com.

With the majority of applicants from schools, Li Xiaolu, Inspector from Department of Education of Guangdong Province, claimed the fully support for students' engagement in volunteering service during the Guangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. He also called for proper schooling schedule and suggested outlining detailed internship plans for student volunteers, citing different teaching practices like self study, individual teaching, practical teaching and class suspension.

Organisers revealed that student volunteers who have distinguished performances in volunteering service or make great contributions to the Games should be awarded.

(Zhu Runfang)  (The End)