Call for volunteers to help with Games
Helpers needed for multi-sports event hosted by Hong Kong
The 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) is the first-ever multi-sports event to be hosted by Hong Kong. Now, teenagers have a chance to get involved in the sporting extravaganza.
EAG organisers are looking for volunteers and the application deadline for the first phase of recruitment is September 30.
Under the programme, 1,400 volunteers will be shortlisted for interviews, with successful candidates undergoing intensive training later this year.
'A multi-sports event will never succeed without sufficient manpower and community support,' said Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, chairman of the fifth EAG Planning Committee.
'For the 2009 East Asian Games, we are looking at recruiting 3,200 volunteers, and it will be a big task for us. We have appointed the Agency for Volunteer Service to steer the recruitment, handle the training and arrange the deployment of volunteers.'
Thomas Chow Tat-ming, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, also invited the public to join the volunteer programme. 'The government has all along attached great importance to the promotion of sports development in Hong Kong,' said Mr Chow. 'Following the 2008 Olympic equestrian events, the 2009 East Asian Games will be another spectacular sporting event in the territory.
'I hope more people will join the volunteer programme and be one of Hong Kong's goodwill ambassadors to showcase Hong Kong's hospitality and promote Hong Kong as Asia's World City and Sports Events Capital to all our guests, tourists and spectators.'
The EAG, which will be held in Hong Kong from December 5 to 13 next year, is expected to attract more than 4,000 athletes and delegates. Anyone aged 18 or above who is proficient in Cantonese, English and/or Putonghua, are eligible to become volunteers.
