Volunteer at the 2010 Olympic Games

With two years to go before the start of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canadians and Olympic enthusiasts around the world are invited for the volunteer experience of a lifetime and can now apply online.

Approximately 25,000 volunteers are needed to stage the 2010 Winter Games. The user-friendly online volunteer application process, is available at both www.vancouver2010.com and www.volunteer.workopolis.com, The process includes two sections: an online application, and access to “On Your Mark,” an exclusive online portal that provides volunteer applicants with important recruitment updates, position information, training schedules and more.

In a recent Press Release, John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) said, "Next to the athletes, volunteers are perhaps the most important participants in the 2010 Winter Games. They will welcome the world, set lasting impressions and play the largest role in actually staging the Games. It will be a proud, unforgettable experience for everyone involved and we look forward to welcoming thousands of enthusiastic applicants.”

The online application process will remain open for a minimum of six weeks to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to register. VANOC will notify the public before the application process closes, with a minimum of two weeks remaining. Applications may be submitted at any time during the open call and will be assessed on qualifications and not according to the time a submission was received during the application process.

Once potential volunteers have completed their online application, through 2008 and the fall of 2009, successful candidates will undergo a phone screen; a face-to-face interview; orientation and service excellence training; security clearance, job-specific and venue-specific training; and Games-time scheduling and outfitting.

Check out the volunteer qualifications and positions available for further information. There are also Olympic jobs available and applications are being accepted now, as well.