More than 240,000 people applied for the programme, with all now taking part in the first phase of the process, which includes an online exercise and language assessment.

In 2015, interviews will begin, with letters of invitation scheduled to be sent to successful candidates from November.

"The online exercise is a way to engage the candidates and help them understand what it would be like to work at the Rio 2016 Games," said Flavia Fontes, manager of the Rio 2016 volunteer programme.

"It's a fun way for them to learn about the Games, as well as allowing us to get to know them better. In March, we will open our selection centre, where interviews will be conducted.

"For international candidates, interviews will be conducted by video conference."

People from all over the world applied to become a volunteer at Rio 2016, the first Olympic Games to be hosted in South America.

Brazilians accounted for 60 per cent of the 242,757 applicants, with the remainder coming from a further 191 countries.

Of this total, 11,069 were from the United States, while the inspirational effect of hosting the Games was reflected in strong interest from recent host nations Russia, with 10,840, China with 8,283, and Great Britain with 7,648.

Volunteers mopping the court during a badminton match at the Beijing 2008 Games ©AFP/Getty Images



"After Brazil, the countries with the highest numbers of applicants were some of those who have already hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Fontes.

"These American, Russian, Chinese and British people want to experience this special moment again.

"And I'm sure that this coming together of people from different backgrounds will make the Rio 2016 Games unforgettable.

"We were very happy with the results.

"The number of applicants demonstrated the desire of people to participate in the Games and showed that the volunteer spirit is alive in Brazil.

"The quantity of different nationalities, age groups and backgrounds is making the diversity we are seeking a reality.

"The Games are for everyone and the volunteers programme already shows this."

The applicants who are selected will be offered a one-year online English course, as well as specific training for their roles.

They will also receive a uniform, meals and transport on working days, and a certificate of participation.

For those who missed the deadline for applications, those wishing to volunteer can still register for the waiting list, with more details available here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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