In order to become a volunteer at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, it is necessary to:

1. Fill in an application online starting 7 February 2012
2. Undergo the selection process (interview and testing), as well as training in the chosen field.
3. Selection and training of volunteers will be based in 26 Volunteer Centres (VC), organised in leading educational institutions in 14 Russian regions.

All Russian and foreign citizens are able to volunteer at the Games in Sochi, provided they meet the requirements of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee for their chosen field of volunteering.

The presence / absence of disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs in the candidate volunteers are not the factors that influence decision-making in the selection process.

• knowledge of Russian
• being 18 to 80 years of age on 6 January 2014
• Personal qualities: friendly attitude, good communication skills, ability to cope with stress, stamina, ability to work as part of a team, sense of responsibility
• Knowledge of English. Knowledge of other languages is welcomed.
• Certain areas of volunteer work require additional specialised skills (e.g. knowledge in respect of a certain sport, possession of a driver's license, etc.)
• Willingness and physical ability to carry out the work in the chosen field

Language skills are a must, but there are variations in the required level of proficiency depending on the function of the voluntary work.

If you have a sports ranking in a certain sport, and want to participate in the implementation of a competition event of this sport, you must apply as a sports volunteer so that we can consider your candidacy.

No, a volunteer can be anyone regardless of occupation.

Participation in the Test Events is not mandatory for all Games volunteers. However, participation in Test Events will help you gain necessary experience for the Games themselves.

Taking part in the test events is especially important for sports volunteers.

The requirements for participants of the Games' Opening and Closing Ceremonies are currently being developed. They will be announced later on in 2012.

Registration of volunteers will begin 7 February 2012 at midnight Moscow time.

The last day of registration for volunteers will be announced at a later time, though no later than 7 days before the last application acceptances.

• Test of English language knowledge;
• Test of other foreign language knowledge (if required);
• Perhaps additional testing for work in other selected fields .

The selection process will be carried out in several stages, both remotely and in person.

1. The application form is checked against the formal criteria (whether all fields are fully completed, meeting age requirements, etc.)
2. Online English language test
3. Interview
4. If necessary, additional testing will be conducted

No, you will first need to pass the selection process, and then successfully pass the training.

Unfortunately, it is not possible. These are the stipulated regulations.

You can submit the application together with a friend, however we can not promise that you will be working together afterwards.

No, you cannot do that. All duplicate entries will be automatically removed from the system.

From 7 to 23 February 2014.

From 7 to 16 March 2014.

We need volunteers in many different areas: «Transport», «Medical», «Anti-doping», «Arrivals and Departures», «IOC/IPC Services», «NOC/NPC Services», «Language Services», «Protocol», «Technology», «Ceremonies», «Work of the Press», «Accreditation», «Management of the Olympic Village», «Accommodation», «Food and Beverage», «Event Services» Moreover, if you have a qualification in one of the Winter Olympic or Paralympic sports, you can apply as a sports volunteer working directly in the field of the competition event.

Sports volunteers are people with special skills in a certain sport or sports discipline, and who will be working directly in the competition areas (Field of Play), and in the areas for the athletes (Athletes' Support Facilities).

No, the application can only be submitted online. But you can use a friend's computer or fill out an application in one of the Volunteer Centres. Please note that you will definitely need to have regular access to e-mail!

The required level depends on the position of the volunteer work. Some positions require advanced level English.

English proficiency at a level no lower than A2, under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Special requirements in language proficiency of English and / or other foreign languages may be applied to some areas of volunteer work.

In specially constructed apartment-type residential complexes.

Volunteers will be provided with accommodation, meals during shifts, uniforms and transportation to their place of work. However, volunteers who do not reside in Sochi will have to fund their own travel from their home town to Sochi and back.

No, you will not be provided with accommodation during your training at the Volunteer Centre.

However, yes, as a "Sochi 2014" volunteer you will be provided with accommodation during the Games.

«Sochi 2014» volunteers will be accommodated in purpose-built apartment-type residential complexes.

The volunteer work is unpaid. However, volunteers will be provided with accommodation, meals during shifts, uniforms and transportation to their place of work. You will need to fund your own travel to Sochi and back.

Yes, if you work as a volunteer in the period between the Games.

All medical assistance will be provided under the compulsory medical insurance programme for citizens of the Russian Federation. Foreign citizens must apply for medical insurance valid in the Russian Federation independently. The company «Ingosstrakh», a Games Partner, will insure volunteers against accidents.

A team of volunteers for the Paralympic Games will be renewed by 80%. You will have to account for any absence from work yourself - for example, taking the time off as leave.

Each volunteer will receive a special volunteer book, in which his or her work at the Games will be recorded. Depending on work results, a volunteer may also be issued with a commendation or reference on behalf of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee.

No

Yes

Depending on the role of the volunteer at the Games, he or she will be allocated under the authority of the relevant unit (function) of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee. They will be managed by the leaders of the units, as well as by team-leaders from among the volunteers themselves.

This will depend on your schedule and on the function in which you work.

It depends on the function in which you are registered. You can find a detailed list of functions on the page «What to do? Where to Work»

Your involvement in work in other functions of the Games is only possible with the consent of the unit leader with which you are registered.

Yes, there are always an allocated number of free tickets during the Games for volunteers. However, their number is limited.

No, the Sochi city volunteer centre trains volunteers for work within the city.

From the beginning to the end of the Games, and at least 13 shifts.

Volunteer training will be conducted in the following areas:

1. General introductory training on the Olympic and Paralympic Games
2. Training on the development of personal qualities and necessary skills (including working with people who have a disability)
3. Instruction on individual features of the organization and implementation of the Games, adoption of policies and regulations of work
4. Training on specific areas of activity and specific positions
5. Classes in Olympic English - English language for the Games, which includes additional vocabulary, particular phrases, etc. These also include an opportunity to raise the general level of English proficiency.
6. Orientation of the venues The results of the training will be entered into the database of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee. Individual certificates will not be issued. The document confirming the completion of training and placement in a volunteer team is, in fact, the necessary accreditation for working at the Games.

This will depend on the nature of the preparation. As a rule, it will be 2-3 face-to-face sessions (not counting the orientation of the venues immediately before the Games in Sochi).

If you do not live in Russia, we will coordinate your personal training schedule with you.

Volunteer training will be conducted in the following areas:

1. General introductory training on the Olympic and Paralympic Games
2. Training on the development of personal qualities and necessary skills (including working with people who have disabilities)
3. Instruction on individual features of the organisation and implementation of the Games, adoption of policies and regulations of work
4. Training on specific areas of activity and specific positions
5. Orientation of the venues

Training will be based at the ANO «Organizing Committee», «Sochi 2014» in either Moscow or in Sochi, where you will be enrolled after registration. You will receive invitations to participate in training sessions by e-mail. You will be registered into the group after confirming your participation.

Training for volunteers is free.

If you want to train volunteers, you can contact the volunteer centre and offer your services.

Please note that most likely you will be asked to do so on a volunteer basis.

It depends on areas of training, but on average it will involve 2 face-to-face sessions (3-4 days) and a number of distance learning courses. Basic training will be conducted throughout the year (from mid-2012 to mid-2013).

Unfortunately you may not.