The Paris 2024 Olympic Games organising committee is seeking volunteers from around the world
With less than 16 months to go before Paris welcomes the 2024 Olympic Games, the organising committee has launched the volunteer recruitment programme. The organisers say they are seeking 45,000 volunteers who will have the opportunity to live unique moments and experience the Games from the inside with the Olympic Games on July 26 to August 11, 2024 and the Paralympic Games on August 28 to September 8, 2024.
Addressing a press conference here in Paris, President of Paris 2024 Organising Committee Tony Estanguet said that a total of 45,000 volunteers will be deployed throughout France at all the official venues of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and will play a key role in all sectors of the event delivery.
The key roles include welcoming and guiding spectators and accredited persons, assisting sports delegations, accompanying athletes to competition venues and press operations, transporting accredited persons, supporting timekeeping activities, participating in the distribution of equipment, and providing medical assistance, he said.
Estanguet added that the Paris 2024 volunteer programme is open to all, both in France and internationally, and there are only three conditions to apply. One is that the applicants must be over 18 years old on January 1, 2024, speak at least French or English, and be available for at least 10 days during the Olympic and/or the Paralympic Games. Those seeking to become volunteers can apply on the Games website. Applications close on May 3 and candidates will be selected between September and December.
In keeping with the goal of the Organising Committee to make the Games the most inclusive and accessible ever, applications from people with disabilities are also being encouraged. ‘‘Being a volunteer means being at the heart of the organisation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It means playing a key role in a unified team that will share the same colours thanks to our partner Decathlon,’’ Estanguet told the media.
French sports goods retailer Decathlon has come on board as a partner for Paris 2024 and will supply custom-made uniforms to all volunteers and which will be distributed to them at various Decathlon outlets.
The spokesperson of Decathlon at the conference said that the uniform had been specifically designed keeping in mind the speciality of having Olympics in Paris. She said that the uniforms will be unveiled to the media later this year. She added that the uniforms would not be for sale to others and would be strictly reserved only for the volunteers. ‘‘It is a proud achievement for the volunteers to be chosen and I know that many of my colleagues, who have had the privilege of being volunteers at Olympics have carefully preserved their uniforms even years later and wear them proudly even now. So it is something that you deserve to get and which cant be bought by others,’’ she said.
Estanguet said that volunteers are the soul of the Games and they play an instrumental role in ensuring the success of the Games in all aspects. ‘‘Being a volunteer also opens doors for special experiences and moments that only a few can aspire to have. Being a volunteer also means sharing unique moments and emotions, especially with exceptional athletes. It is about creating lifelong memories and participating in enriching experiences,’’ Estanguet told the press.
‘‘There are so many reasons to get involved in the adventure and to take part in the biggest shared project in France for the last century! Joining Paris 2024 is an opportunity for the volunteers. But the volunteers are also an opportunity for Paris 2024, as they bring their enthusiasm, energy and skills,’’ Estanguet said.
