Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have begun their roles of ensuring a smoothly run Games this summer. Their services mean that Beijing is equipped to deal with almost anything during the sporting event.
Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have begun their roles of ensuring a smoothly run Games this summer.
This is day one of a new Beijing Olympics Spectators Connecting Center. Those working here are all volunteers, who are trained to provide a wide range of Games information to spectators. Each volunteer has a vast knowledge of all the services during the Games, from transport to venue facilities. But it hasn't been an easy task for everyone.
One volunteer said "My English was not so good, and I got to know more about the city. After training from the Beijing Olympic Committee, I can now perform my task well."
There are four such centers for spectators in Beijing. They will provide information in multiple languages over the next three months. Spectators from home and abroad can dial the hotline, on 12308, to get the information they need.
Others are providing services on Beijing's streets. 400,000 volunteers are on duty at over 500 points across the city. They will assist with inquiries, help with translations, and provide emergency services. Some will also hand out guidebooks to tourists.
With only 37 days until the Games, the city is in the final stage of preparations. Over 90 percent of the hotels in the city are booked out. Spectators can now get their Olympic tickets from the the ticketing network windows in the city.
(CCTV July 2, 2008)