More than 160,000 people have already registered to be in with a chance of filling one of the 70,000 volunteer places available for the first Games to be held in South America. 

Rio 2016 had initially set a target of 300,000 applications by the original November 15 deadline.

"There has been a significant increase in registrations over the last few weeks, as well as a number of requests to extend the registration period," Flavia Fontes, Rio 2016's volunteer programme manager, said.

"It is clear that there are still many interested people who have yet to register so we have decided to extend the registration period until 15 December to give everyone the opportunity to participate.

"This really is the last chance."

Flavia Fontes has said this really is the last chance for potential Rio 2016 volunteers to register ©Getty Images


As well as applications from Brazilians wishing to volunteer at their home Games, registrations have also come from people in more than 180 countries around the world, including Russia, China and the United States.

"We are very happy that such a wide range of people have registered for the Programme," Fontes added.

Volunteer registrations for the nine possible functional areas of customer services, sports, press and communication, operational support, Ceremonies production, protocol and languages, health services, technology and transport can be made either online at www.rio2016.com/voluntarios or by telephone on +55 21 3004-2016.

All applicants will have access to an online English course for a year and will receive training specific to their tasks, the sports and the facilities in which they will work.

Volunteers will also receive a full uniform, as well as meals and free transport on days worked.

Applicants must be 18 years old by February 2016 and be available for at least ten days during the Games, with the Olympics due to take place from August 5 to 21, 2016, and the Paralympics following from September 7 to 18.

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