Minsk 2019 has received more than 12,000 applications from 53 countries for volunteer roles. 

Following the interview stage and the creation of personal accounts on the dedicated web portal, all volunteers have to pass a language proficiency test and online training.

Uniform design

The uniform of the Minsk 2019 European Games volunteers has been designed by Yulia Latushkina and produced by Solo-Pinsk company.

Samples were presented during a photo shoot in Moscow in November 2018.

The photo shoot was held by People’s Artist of Russia Edgard Zapashnye, who is a Star Ambassador of Minsk 2019 along with his brother Askold Zapashnye.

Zapashnye described the uniform, which will also be worn by participants of the "Flame of Peace" Torch Relay, as very convenient, all-weather and high quality.

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Special language training

Minsk 2019 volunteers will undergo special language training in preparation for the event.

The chief executive of the European Games Organising Committee George Katulin has signed a deal with Eduard Tselyuk, the head of the Educational Technology Centre School of Foreign Languages.

The school employs more than 200 teachers and will give volunteers special courses.

They will develop a test programme to assess the foreign language skills of those wanting to become volunteers.

They will also provide glossaries for all kinds of sporting vocabulary.

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Functional areas

Those interested in applying to become volunteers for the 2019 European Games in Minsk can choose a functional area in which they are most comfortable and that will help them to reach their full potential.

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Accreditation

Accreditation volunteers will register event participants and issue personal accreditation badges indicating the corresponding period of validity and access rights at Games time depending on their status.

These volunteers work in close cooperation with all Games client groups, ranging from workforce to athletes.

Accreditation volunteers will be starting their work earlier than those in most other functional areas.

They need to work hard to ensure a positive image of the Games and satisfaction of all participants.

Despite this functional are being one of the most demanding ones, it will help volunteers to increase their resistance to stress, find ways out of the most challenging situations and enhance their communication skills.

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Hospitality

If a volunteer chooses hospitality, then their main task at Games time will be to ensure impeccable service level and positive feedback from the guests attending an event, so the organisers can entertain them and make a lasting impression. 

The volunteers will be involved both pre-Games and at Games time. 

They will also provide several services to the guests of an event, including meeting and escorting, information support, coordination and provision of client services. 

It will give them an opportunity to develop their organisational skills, as well as improve their knowledge of foreign languages.

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Arrivals and departures

Arrivals and departures volunteers will meet guests at the airport, work at the front desk, help with baggage reclaim and escort the guests from the gates to transport in the form of shuttle buses. 

They need to be prepared to work with large delegations and handle baggage and migration card issues. 

Guests' first impressions and memories of the 2019 European Games depend on them.

Volunteers will learn to easily navigate Minsk National Airport and familiarise themselves with the basics of customs. 

They will also have an ideal chance to enhance their communication skills.

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National Olympic Committee assistant

National Olympic Committee (NOC) Assistants will ensure the 50 European NOCs are supported during their stay throughout the Minsk 2019 European Games. 

They will act as a main facilitator between the Minsk European Games Organising Committee and the NOCs, providing administrative and language support when required and helping delegations by finding out information, answering questions and solving problems. 

NOC Assistants will also help delegations with checking-in and checking-out of the Athletes' Village, transferring athletes to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and performing other duties as requested by the NOCs. 

This is one of the most engaging functional areas that will give volunteers an opportunity to regularly practise foreign languages and learn to find their way in the most challenging situations.

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Media

These volunteers will help journalists and photographers at media centres in venues and media stands as well as at camera points, press conferences and mixed zones. 

They will meet media representatives and provide information support, distribute tickets and additional access devices, and offer support in working areas. 

Media volunteers must promptly settle any issues and ensure that international media representatives have access to all necessary services.

They will have the chance to work with some of the best journalists and photographers from around the world and will gain a number of useful skills, ranging from results management to reportage photography.

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City information

City information volunteers will be the ambassadors of the city of Minsk at Games time. 

Volunteers at information points around the Belarusian capital will warmly welcome guests and participants and provide them with guidance and information. 

They will contribute towards establishing a hospitable and comfortable environment in Minsk, and need to be familiar with the infrastructure, history, culture and places of interest in the city. 

As well as learning more about all of this, volunteers will also be given knowledge on the traditions and culture of foreign guests.

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Doping control

Doping control volunteers will act as chaperones, accompanying athletes to planned, unplanned and target testing and also taking part in crucial testing procedures.

They must follow the doping control procedures thoroughly and fill in all the relevant documents.

These procedures are always under scrutiny and this is why volunteers, who will have access to confidential information, should be vigilant and honest at all times. 

Volunteers in this functional area have an excellent opportunity to see the competition from an athlete's perspective, and to talk to leading athletes as they will be the first people to greet the medal winners. 

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Catering

Catering volunteers will help arrange smooth operation of catering facilities, monitor the availability of food and beverages, collect free meal vouchers, check the readiness of dining halls and perform other jobs.

They will be directly involved in delivering the catering strategy. 

Volunteers will visit Games venues and see how catering services are arranged for various client groups at Games time.

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Communications

Communications volunteers will help ensure full coverage of the Games around the world by preparing stories and publications. 

They will help the public relations team, take part in the filming of public relations videos, and monitor updates and publications on the official websites and social networks.

Volunteers in this functional area will have an excellent opportunity to improve their organisational skills. 

They will also be the first to read updates on the Games' official websites, be working at competition venues in direct contact with domestic and international media, and have the opportunity to work with famous athletes at press conferences.

With communications being a very dynamic area, volunteers should be prepared to work with large volumes of information and be given a lot of assignments.

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Language services

These volunteers will be translating, interpreting and providing information to participants and guests in their native language. 

Translators and interpreters could prove useful in many different places, including hotels, the airport and press centres.

This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers to improve their communication skills and translate and interpret in various situations.

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Technical support

Technical support volunteers will work with special equipment and assist with information and communication technologies.

By selecting this functional area, they have a chance to work with a team of information and communication technology experts.

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Venue management

The main task of the volunteers opting for this functional area is to assist the venue manager and the venue team in ensuring uninterrupted and efficient operations. 

They will help venue teams manage incidents, provide information support, coordinate venue operations, monitor compliance with the detailed event schedule and arrange communication services.

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Volunteers/workforce management

This functional area works to ensure flawless volunteer operations. 

A designated team will be arranging the registration of volunteers, providing services, keeping their spirits up and assisting in their training and preparation for the Games. 

Team members will have opportunity to improve their organisational skills and gain experience in the field of personnel management. 

They will take on the role of an assistant manager and see how the work of volunteers is organised.

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Transport

Transport volunteers will help the Minsk European Games Organising Committee to organise transport, help with the arrivals and departures of athletes, officials and guests from the participating countries, keep track of vehicle fleet load and work in load zones and parking lots. 

They need to know the transport system of Minsk and shuttle bus routes during Games time.

This is considered one of the most exciting areas in which to work and provides an excellent chance for volunteers to practise their foreign language skills. 

Some positions will be located at competition venues and the Athletes' Village, so they are very likely to meet famous athletes.

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Medical services

These volunteers will help doctors treat patients in need of medical help. 

Medical assistants will be selected from among volunteers to help medical staff work with foreigners.

This is an excellent opportunity to practise medical care skills at a sporting event. 

Volunteers will work at competition venues and observe the field of play.

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Accommodation 

Accommodation volunteers' main duty will be to help guests communicate and to facilitate efficient feedback to Minsk European Games Organising Committee. 

There always needs to be booklets at hotels, and guests will ask for advice and referral to persons in charge.

The experience will offer volunteers a valuable opportunity to learn how to manage check-in issues and teach them everything about hotel infrastructure.

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Ceremonies

Ceremonies volunteers will help people to navigate the rehearsal areas and will also assist the Minsk European Games Organising Committee staff in outfit dressing and other utility spaces, act as a background actor during rehearsals, and help resolve other routine matters. 

This is a great opportunity to partake in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, both of which are due to be held at the Dinamo Stadium, on June 21 and 30 respectively, and will be broadcast worldwide.

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Protocol

Protocol volunteers help provide access control in VIP areas and stands. 

Their duties will include meeting high-ranking guests, ushering them to their seats and handing out booklets and souvenirs. 

They will also work at reception desks and distribute tickets and invitations to a number of events for VIP guests. 

Protocol is considered one of the most important functional areas. 

Volunteers will develop a firm grip on business etiquette as well as intercultural and interethnic communications. 

They will be working with dignitaries and will learn how to organise their visit and stay.

It is a great chance for them to practise their foreign language skills with different client groups.

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Sports volunteers

Sports volunteers have to be physically fit and proficient in a foreign language.

It is essential for them to know the rules of a particular sport. 

They will provide assistance to athletes, who they can learn from, and participants at the competition and event venues.

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Spectator services

The job of spectator services volunteers is to work with audiences and tend to the needs of spectators and athletes at the venues. 

They will provide information support, assist spectators in finding their seats at the stands, manage crowd flows and help resolve other matters if necessary. 

Volunteers will be welcoming spectators and fans from all around the world and helping ensure enjoyable visits to the venues. 

As they will be working with a large number of people, it is likely to help improve their communication skills.

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Registration

Registration to become a volunteer can be accessed here.