4 March 2005

DID: 63409665
FAX: 63452541
                                                                                      

MEDIA RELEASE
IMMEDIATE

Media Division
Ministry of Information, Communications and The Arts

Attn: News/ Duty Editor

117th IOC SESSION VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

From today, members of the public will be able to register as volunteers for the upcoming 117th IOC Session via the newly launched official website at www.singapore2005ioc.org.sg. One hundred and fifty-three volunteers will be recruited and trained to assist the Singapore Organizing Committee in a variety of areas. These include hospitality and media support, logistics and programmes coordination, and operations management among others.

2          Of these, 30 volunteers will be specially selected to assist in the official opening ceremony for the 117th IOC Session at the Esplanade and other important functions during the Session. Volunteers will be selected based on their experience, professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication.

3          The event presents an excellent opportunity for Singaporeans to be part of the Olympic Movement and be exposed to the international community of high profile personalities from sports, business and politics. Singapore students and professionals with the relevant skills and knowledge can also take this opportunity to gain invaluable experience and contribute to an event of such international prestige and prominence.

4          "This is a unique opportunity for Singaporeans to make an impression on the world. We are expecting some 3,000 to 5,000 visitors of which more than 1,000 are from the international media. We want to create memorable experiences for them with our warm hospitality", said Mr Ng Ser Miang, President of the Singapore Organizing Committee for the 117th IOC Session.

5          All participants will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Dr Jacques Rogge, IOC President. Meals, sports apparel and a transport allowance will be provided for each volunteer. CIP points (if applicable) will also be given upon the completion of service.

6          The Session will be held in Singapore from 2-9 July 2005. It is here that the host city of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be announced and the Summer Olympic Games programme will be reviewed.

7          For more information on the 117th IOC Session and job description for each role for volunteers, please refer to the official 117th IOC Session website at www.singapore2005ioc.org.sg.

8          For media enquiries, please contact Mrs Maureen Goh, Director (Special Projects-Communications) at 63409660 or Ms Veronica Loke, Manager (Group Communications) at 63409665.

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Issued by the Singapore Sports Council, Group Communications Division on 4 March 2005