
The manager of the Rio 2016 Volunteer Programme, Flavia Fontes, believes that the number of applications is important, not just for the Rio 2016 Games, but also for volunteer work in Brazil as a whole. “We do not want to encourage volunteers just for the Games. We also want to give a boost to volunteer work throughout Brazil. This will be yet another legacy of Rio 2016,” she said.
People interested in applying should do so by visiting the website at www.rio2016.com/volunteer or phone 3004-2016 (local call rate from anywhere in Brazil). Candidates should be at least 18 years old by February 2016 and be available to take part for a period of at least 10 days. The 70,000 candidates selected will be allocated to one of nine functional areas: serving the public, sports, press and communications, operational support, production of ceremonies, protocol and languages, healthcare, technology and transport.
They will all have the opportunity to study English online for a year and will receive specific job training related to the sport and facilities where they will work, as well as a full uniform, meals and transport on days worked, and a certificate of participation.