Help wanted: Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer WK Lam and Deputy CEO Miranda Chiu describe the application procedure and training programme at a press conference.

The Equestrian Company today kicked off its recruitment exercise for the Olympic Equestrian and Paralympic Events in August and September 2008. It hopes to attract about 1,800 volunteers, in three phases. Those interested in applying can now register at www.equestrian2008.org.

The first 90 to 100 volunteers will form a core group, be trained as leaders to help train the others. The core group must be proficient in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. The deadline for applications for this first recruitment phase is the end of December. Results will be announced by the end of January.

Volunteers will not be paid, but will be given insurance cover, uniforms, meals and transportation during the service.

Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer WK Lam said the volunteers programme aimed to encourage and provide the opportunity for the community to participate in and contribute to the Equestrian Events.

These would be the first Olympic and Paralympic Games held on Chinese soil, Mr Lam noted.

All volunteers are meant to complement the work of the full- and part-time staff. Their prime duties are to assist athletes, working staff, spectators, guests and other visitors in 2008 - and in August next year, when the Test Event will be staged.

Foreign language ability a plus

Volunteers will undergo residential, weekend and evening training, as well as on-site practice. They are expected to serve from April 2007 through September 2008.

Anyone who has the right to enter and stay in Hong Kong during the training and service period is invited to apply. As athletes will be coming from many different countries for the events, the ability to speak foreign languages - particularly French, German or Spanish - is also a plus.

Other preferences are strong IT skills, substantial professional working experience and the commitment to serve.

Qualified applicants to be interviewed

About 800 to 900 volunteers will be recruited each in the second and third recruitment phases. After submitting their applications, they may be contacted for interviews and group sessions, to determine their suitability for this service.

They will be needed to work at competition and training venues and other locales, including the airport.

At the close of the Olympics games, they will be awarded certificates, badges and souvenirs according to the length of service and contribution level.

Mr Lam urged potential volunteers to support a "green" Olympics by applying online. Information about the events is available at the Equestrian Company's website.

Leaflets and application forms will also be available at the Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Counters starting November 27, or from the Main Hall at the Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central.