Applications for Hong Kong volunteers to the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games have been closed with more than 7,300 applicants registered on the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad website, the Home Affairs Bureau says.

Two rounds of assessment have been conducted to short-list suitable applicants for BOCOG's consideration. The third and the last round will start this month, including a written assessment to be held on April 5 in the morning. Applicants who pass the written assessment will be invited to attend selection interviews on April 20.

Those who applied online to become a volunteer in the week beginning March 24 should call Hong Kong Examinations & Assessment Authority on 3628 8191 by April 2 if they still have not been invited to sit for the written test.

BOCOG will complete the volunteer recruitment in May. Pre-Games training and logistic support for Hong Kong volunteers in Beijing is being worked out and details will be available to successful applicants.