Santiago 2023 have received a record 28,702 applicants for their Games volunteer programme ©Santiago 2023

Organisers of the Pan-American Games in Santiago have received over 28,000 applications from those who want to become volunteers at the Games.

"It fills me with pride that thousands of Chileans and international applicants have signed up for this process," Panam Sports President Neven Ilic said.

"Volunteers are the heart of the Games, without them this sports festival could not take place."

A total of 26 per cent of applications have come from outside Chile, and Peru which hosted the 2019 Games, is best represented among foreign applicants with 1,888.

There have been 570 applications from the continent of Africa and 186 from Asia.

Europe accounts for 144 and three volunteers have also applied from Oceania.

"The interest of volunteers who will come from outside of Chile is impressive," Ilic added.

"They will have a fantastic experience and will be part of the history of the Pan American Games, we must all work together to make this celebration a success."

The interest shown in volunteering for the Games has delighted Panam Sports President Neven Ilic ©Panam Sports
The interest shown in volunteering for the Games has delighted Panam Sports President Neven Ilic ©Panam Sports

Organisers say that 57 per cent of the applicants are women.

A total of 19,517 who applied are between the ages of 18 and 30.

There are also 927 applicants from those aged over 60, while 520 replies have also come from those with a disability.

Only 17,000 positions will be available during the Games.

"The next step on this path will be the selection process, where we hope to form a final team of 17,000 volunteers who will support us in achieving our goal of delivering the best possible experience to the athletes and Para-athletes who will visit Chile," Santiago 2023 executive director Gianna Cunazza explained.

A total of 28,702 have made applications, an increase of 114 on those who applied for Lima 2019 and 5,000 more than signed up for Toronto 2015.

There have been 1,888 applications to volunteer from Peruvians after Lima hosted the 2019 Pan American Games ©Getty Images
There have been 1,888 applications to volunteer from Peruvians after Lima hosted the 2019 Pan American Games ©Getty Images

Of those applying, 56 per cent had previous experience of volunteering.

Successful applicants will receive training and be given a uniform and meals.

They will also be covered by insurance.

Organisers are expecting a record number of competitors numbering around 6,916.

A total of 33 events will also serve as Olympic qualification for Paris in another record for the Games.

Over 1,800 media are expected to attend and more than 1,500 hours of live television will be transmitted. 

The Pan-American Games are scheduled to open on October 20, with the Parapan-American Games set to follow on November 17.