Events are being held across Russia to coincide with the launch of the initiative, the most important of which was at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Centre in Krasnaya Polyana.

Dmitry Kozak, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, was present where volunteers set fire to a giant 1.2-metre x 1.2m heart – the symbol of the volunteer movement.

Sochi 2014 are looking to bring in volunteers from all over Russia to ensure the legacy is felt across the country.

In total, there are some 26 volunteer centres across Russia which will assist with the recruitment process.

Over 200,000 applications are expected by Sochi 2014 for the scheme, which is open to 18 and 80 year olds who can register online at vol.sochi2014.com.

Those bids which meet the requirements will be invited for interview, and Sochi 2014 President and chief executive Dmitry Chernyshenko claimed that it was a once in a lifetime chance.


"Why should volunteers come to Sochi?" he said.

"Because it is the only chance in their whole lifetime.

"If they come to Sochi, they will not just get nice volunteer uniforms, but also the chance to see their sporting idols.

"The best of the best, chosen through competition, will be involved in a great historical event, which they will remember for their whole lives."

A number of Sochi 2014 partners are also involved in making the volunteer recruitment programme a success.

Ingosstrakh are providing insurance, MegaFon their mobile phone services, BOSCO are helping with uniforms, while Atos are supporting the IT system managing the volunteers.

Rostelecom will also provide telecommunications, whilst EF English First, Detech and Exect will be involved with checking each prospective volunteer's level of English, psychological testing and training respectively.

"Staging the Olympic Games without volunteers would be unthinkable," said Kozak.

"I am pleased to see that a burning heart was chosen to symbolise the volunteer campaign.

"It represents the mood and spirit of those taking part in the movement.

"I am convinced that all large-scale events of this nature should include volunteers.

"In places with a long tradition of volunteering, people of all ages get actively involved. The last Olympics in Vancouver were a prime example.

"They comprised of large numbers of older people, including elderly pensioners, who were willing to help stage a public event, regardless of the scale of the project."

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