Beijing may be under starter's orders, but it's Shanghai that will be first off the blocks in China's race to Olympic glory. This October the city will host the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games for people with intellectual disabilities–the world's biggest sporting event this year.

As well as the 7,500 athletes who will compete, there will be over 30,000 volunteers supporting the two-week long event, part of which takes place over the China National Day holiday. Though the majority of support staff have been recruited, the games are still in need of volunteers to support the Honored Guests program.

"We're looking for people who are passionate and knowledgeable about Shanghai to act as ambassadors for the city," says Nancy Pon, project director of the Special Olympics Honored Guests Program. "The guests are mainly company CEOs, celebrities and other supporters of the Games, so it is vital [that] they are left with a good impression of the Games and the important contribution they make to the community."

Volunteers' duties will range from meeting and greeting guests at the airport to managing transportation at venues to acting as personal guides to VIPs. "Ideally we're looking for professional, confident people who can speak Chinese and English, know Shanghai well, and who can commit for the entire period from September 30 to October 13," says Pon.

Special Olympics Project Manager Howard Snyder has volunteered to help at the event. He has been working on big events for Coca-Cola, and jumped at the chance when he was asked to head up the project.

"The appeal of the Special Olympics is to help people who are usually shunted away by society," says Snyder. "I enjoy working with children and disadvantaged people, and I get great personal satisfaction when I see the smiles on these special children's faces."

Snyder's advice to those thinking of volunteering appropriately summarizes the driving spirit behind Olympic events. "Just do it. You will get a lot more out of it than you put in, believe me."

Details:

Application deadline:

August 31

Web:

www.specialolympics.org

tel:

6384-0934 ext. 262