By Lisa Flueckiger, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The period to register for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games has just been extended until December 15th, therefore prolonging the registration period for another month. This is the last opportunity to sign up as a volunteer for one of the biggest sports events in the world, taking place in August 2016.
The Olympic Committee has already received more than 160,000 applications for the 70,000 volunteer spots, but chose to increase the inscription period to include last-minute requests.
“There has been a significant increase in registrations over the last few weeks, as well as a number of requests to extend the registration period,” Flavia Fontes, Rio 2016’s volunteer programme manager stated in a press release. “We have decided to extend the registration period until 15 December to give everyone the opportunity to participate. This really is the last chance,” she added.
Those interested can sign up on the event’s homepage, must be eighteen or older by February 2016 and available during the event. The first interviews will start to take place in February 2015, while training for those selected is previewed for November 2015.
Of the 70,000 participating volunteers around 45,000 will be working during the Olympic Games, with the remaining ones acting during the Paralympics. They will work in nine areas: sports, media and communications, customer service, operational support, production of ceremonies, protocol and languages, healthcare, technology and transport.
Other opportunities to partake are as volunteer selectors (although some human resources experience is required) and as performers in the opening and closing ceremonies.
The Olympic Games will take place from August 5, 2016 until August 21, 2016. The Paralympic Games then start 2.5 weeks later at September 7, 2016 and continue until September 18, 2016.