Manchester Needs You * Qilah, do u remember this? :p

The 'Spirit of Friendship' Logo.

THE BIGGEST recruitment drive of its type, ever seen in peacetime Britain, gets underway today as organisers of the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games offer you the chance to become part of the 'public face’ of the event, by signing up to its volunteer programme.
Up to 15,000 volunteers are being sought to take on a variety of roles during the Games - which run from July 25 to August 4 2002 – working across all areas, from the Athletes’ Village to the sporting venues themselves.

Amy Parrish-Rett, who led the volunteer operation at the Atlanta Olympics in1996, explains: "The volunteers are both the public face of the Games and the force behind the scenes. It’s about welcoming the world to Manchester and Britain and helping us to stage not only the biggest, but also the best-ever Commonwealth Games."
Successful volunteers will be trained in a range of roles including:

- Athlete, media and VIP accreditation - Press and broadcasting services - Ticketing - Transport. Volunteers with specialist skills will also be required, particularly in the areas of medicine, sport and technology.
The key requirements for volunteers will be:

- Aged 16 by December 1, 2001 (no upper age limit) - Live within easy daily travelling distance of Manchester - Be able to commit to working a minimum of 10 shifts during the Games - Be prepared to attend training sessions during 2002 - Be willing to undergo a background security check

ALL VOLUNTEERS will receive an official XVII Commonwealth Games uniform, meals and drinks while working and a certificate of recognition. But, most importantly, according to Parrish-Rett: "Volunteers will have a wonderful experience and learn skills which will be invaluable to them after the Games."