The city Party committee and government issued a letter of appreciation to volunteers. The letter, signed by city Party chief Wang Rong and Mayor Xu Qin on July 24, said the coming Universiade was a chance for Shenzhen volunteers to show their devotion and establish their names.

Wang and Xu hope Shenzhen volunteers would show the city's hospitality, civilization and openness while serving the athletes and overseas guests.

"In the scorching heat, your smiles will be seen at sport venues, Metro stations, communities and U stations, your devotion and voluntary work is moving everyone in the city," the letter said.

The city has organized 1.27 million volunteers for the Universiade. Of these, 250,000 will serve at 818 U stations across the city to offer information, directions, translation and emergency services.

About 20,000 volunteers, mainly students from Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Polytechnic and Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology will serve at sport venues and interpret for VIP visitors. The other 1 million will serve in communities.