December 19, 2007 – Beijing, China will host the 29th Olympic Games from August 8–24, 2008 and the 13th Paralympic Games from September 6–17, 2008. Both events will provide local volunteers with an opportunity to make a vital contribution to the success of Canadian athletes!

During the Olympic Games the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) will need volunteers to work within the areas of:
– Outfitting, the distribution of clothing packages to the athletes, coaches and support staff;
– Canada Olympic House (COH), a meeting place for Canadian and Olympic family members;
– Teams Outside the Village;
– Main Press Centre;
– Performance Technology Centre; and
– Canadian Health Center.

During the Olympic Games, Hudson’s Bay Company (Hbc), the Official Clothing supplier of Canada’s Olympic Team, will have a shop located next to Canada Olympic House selling Official Canadian Olympic Team merchandise.

Hbc will need volunteers to work in their store for the 2 weeks of the Games. Details of this role include:
– Ensuring the store represents Canada and the pride we have for our athletes;
– Helping customers and visitors find and purchase product (primarily apparel). Cash out customers (cash register training will be provided);
– Shift times are approximately 6 – 8 hours per day. The store will be open just prior to Opening Ceremonies and will close just before Closing Ceremonies; and
– Volunteer outfitting will be provided by Hbc.

During the Paralympic Games the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) will need volunteers to help ensure that the 2008 Paralympic Games are a memorable experience for all involved. The Paralympic Games are an important multi-sport competition for athletes with a disability (e.g. paraplegics or quadriplegics, amputees, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, etc.). These volunteers will work in the following areas:

– Team Outfitting (Location TBD)
– Main Press Center (MPC) located in the Olympic Green
– General Volunteer located in the Paralympic Village (NPC Assistants)
– Olympic Village — Beijing (Performance Technology Centre)

Volunteering for all three areas above will require commitment, patience, sensitivity, flexibility, passion, realistic expectations, respect, and the ability to have lots of fun, while at times working under pressure. You will be responsible for your own travel to and from your volunteer area. You will receive a piece of Canadian team clothing and you may have the opportunity to meet the Canadian athletes in person.

Application Process

This application process is intended to help you, the COC, Hbc, and the CPC determine the best match for your skills and knowledge with the needs of their respective Teams.

Step 1: You are required to complete and submit the application form and also submit police record checks completed by your local law enforcement agency (at own cost).

Step 2: Upon receipt of the application and police record or security check, you will be contacted by a volunteer coordinator who will acknowledge receipt of your application. This individual will answer any questions you may have.

Step 3: A small committee will review all applications and determine the best fit for each volunteer.

Step 4: In February, you will be contacted and informed of the status of your application and advised which functional area for which you have been selected. This will be determined by your interests and the needs of the COC, Hbc, and the CPC.

Step 5: Upon confirmation of your role, you will receive the policies and procedures associated in being named as a volunteer. At this time, you will be asked to:
a) Confirm your commitment to the team;
b) Confirm your understanding of your role and accountability; and
c) Provide dates/times you are available to work.

Step 6: As part of the security screening process for volunteers working with the Team(s), you may be asked to further provide personal information, including references.

A brief description of the volunteer opportunities follows.

Please note that all of the opportunities outlined in the following application form are volunteer positions and no monetary remuneration will be offered.

Canadian Olympic Committee – Olympic Games Volunteer Positions

General Information

Volunteer assignments may be at:
– July 18-August 20: Outfitting at Hui Yan Apartments
– August 1-25: Main Press Center (MPC) located in the Olympic Green
– August 1-26: Health Centre at the Olympic Village — Beijing
– August 4-25: Canada Olympic House at Biarritz Restaurant
– August 4-25: Various locations with teams located outside of the Village
– August 5-25: Performance Technology Centre at the Olympic Village

– Meals (lunch/supper) will be provided if shifts require volunteers to work during meal hours;
– Volunteers may be required to attend mandatory briefing prior to commencement;
– Volunteers will be responsible for their transportation arrangements and costs to and from work assignments;
– Volunteers will be responsible for their accommodation arrangements and costs.

Please attach a copy of your Curriculum Vitae, attach it to the application form and submit them to the following:

Name: Jane Lang
Address: 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC 100600
E-mail: Jane.lang@international.gc.ca
Fax: (86-10)6532-3034

Click here to download the full application form.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!