OLYMPICS/ Spotlight
It's ready, go for Games in Shanghai
(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-28 14:12
Volunteers
"To love, when everyone is equal. To duty, when talent shines brightest. To dedication, when joy grows side by side."
These are the maxims printed in the volunteer's guidebook for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games and the slogans they will live by for the event.
Zhao Zengzeng (C), an athlete participating the Games, realizes the dream of running with Jamaican 100-m world record holder, Asafa Powell, in Shanghai. [China Daily] |
Around 40,000 people, most of them college students, have volunteered for the Games, helping out with the opening and closing ceremonies, providing services at the venues and forming reception committees.
Since July, all volunteers have been trained to have a basic knowledge of the Special Olympics and some of them have been given on-the-job training. Experts on special needs from East China Normal University have enhanced volunteers' appreciation of those with special needs or developmental disabilities.
These are some of the codes of conduct that volunteers are required to observe:
Keep promises. Volunteers are encouraged to keep promises they have made, whether it is being punctual for meetings or completing assignments.
Proper conduct. Volunteers are advised to act courteously, keep a comfortable distance and not be over curious.
Respect privacy. When providing services, volunteers are asked to refrain from interfering in the private affairs of foreign guests. For instance, information such as age, income, marital status, health conditions, experiences, address, religious or political beliefs may be considered private matters.
Respect cultural differences. Volunteers should respect the customs and cultures of others.
"As a citizen of Shanghai, I feel proud to be a volunteer for the Special Olympics," Gao Tian, a doctorate student at Fudan University, said. "In the coming three weeks, tens of thousands of us will help out and show a spirit of dedication, friendliness and mutual help."
Volunteers will dress in eye-catching yellow shirts, with the Shanghai Special Olympics logo, "The Eye", printed on the back.
The Department of Volunteer Management is responsible for the dispatch, deployment, coordination and management of volunteers.
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