China Beijing Olympic Games

A meeting for volunteer drivers during the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games convenes.

(BEIJING, March 4) – Volunteer drivers for the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics took part in a meeting on Tuesday afternoon alongside representatives from various government agencies, education groups, transportation authorities, foreign investment enterprises, and other organizations. Almost a thousand people were present at the session, headed by Li Binghua, executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG). Zhao Fengtong, vice-mayor of Beijing, delivered a speech.

At present, volunteer drivers for the Olympics and Paralympics come from central work units, military personnel, and the civilian sector, among other departments from 18 districts and counties of the city.

According to the guidelines set, these volunteers, split up into 26 groups, must follow rules for good conduct, discipline, and integrity.

Beijing’s vice-mayor Zhao Fengtong expresses his thoughts.

Representatives from interested parties in Changping District were introduced. Specifics regarding work hours, safety procedures, etc. were also discussed during the meeting.

Zhao Fengtong’s important speech outlined the requirements for the job: unity, dedication, skill, and attitude

Li Binghua, executive vice-president of BOCOG, speaks at the meeting.

This meeting marks the start of the organizing of Olympic volunteer drivers prior to the Games. Attendees of the meeting will be involved in coordinating, managing, and providing comprehensive transportation services as required for the Olympic Games. Training sessions for drivers will be focused on improving volunteers’ skills regarding safety and service behavior to ensure a smooth, reliable, accurate, successful transportation scheme during the Games.

26 flags wave to represent the 26 groups of drivers.

According to reports, over 10,000 people signed up to be drivers in August. Over 8,000 of these volunteers will be navigating the streets, providing necessary transportation services during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A delegate addresses the crowd.