British volunteers needed for 2008 Olympics

Equestrian fans wishing to help at the 2008 Bejing Olympics can apply online. British volunteers are needed to assist riders, staff and spectators at the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events at Sha Tin and Sheung Shui in Hong Kong (9 to 24 August, 6 – 12 September 2008) as well as at a Test Event next year (9 – 24 August 2007).

“Having British volunteers in Hong Kong in 2008 along with an army of supporters will be a real boost for the British team and will help everyone perform to their maximum,” said Will Connell, BEF Performance Director.

Volunteers will be recruited in stages, with the first batch of 90 – 100 successful applicants announced in January 2007. These candidates, who are to be the “trainer volunteers”, must have a proficiency in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Two further batches of 800 to 900 volunteers, who need not speak Cantonese and Mandarin, will be recruited later next year.

Successful candidates must be available for residential training courses, evening training and on-site practice in Hong Kong and although they will not be paid, transport, insurance, uniform and meals will be provided during the event.

The application deadline for the first batch is end of December 2006. For more information or to apply visit www.equestrian2008.org.

Potential volunteers are requested to inform the BEF of their application info@bef.co.uk.

Meanwhile those wishing to volunteer for the London 2012 Olympics can register their interest at http://www.london2012.org/en/gettinginvolved/Volunteer_Form.htm

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