Proficiency in Cantonese, Putonghua and English is a prerequisite for these "trainer Volunteers".

Other preferences are strong IT skills, substantial professional working experience and the commitment to serve in the next 20 months.

They would be expected to serve from April next year until September 2008, when the Paralympics are over.

About 800 to 900 Volunteers will be recruited each in the second and third batches.

The Volunteers are required to work at competition venues, training venues and non-competition venues.

The Olympic Equestrian Events will be held in Sha Tin and Sheung Shui while the Paralympics will be held in Sha Tin.

Deadline for application for the first batch is end-December 2006, with the results to be announced by end-January 2007.

Volunteers will not be paid, but will be provided with insurance cover, uniform, meals and transportation during the service.

They will be given appreciation and commendation with the award of Olympics and Paralympics certificates and badges. Individuals, groups and organisations with outstanding performances will be awarded commendations. Olympics and Paralympics souvenirs will be awarded according to service duration and level of contribution.

To support the "green" and "high-tech" Olympics, on-line application is available via the Equestrian Company's website:www.equestrian2008.org.

Relevant publicity leaflet and application form are available at the Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Counters from November 27, 2006.

They are also available for collection at the Main Hall on the ground floor of Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central.

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