Pune, Mar 7 (UNI) The process of signing up volunteers for the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in the city began here today with former India Hockey Captain Dhanraj Pillai registering as the city's first volunteer.
Addressing a press conference, IOA President and CYG Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said that all 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth have confirmed their participation. Nearly 71 schools in the city will lend volunteer support to the games, he added.
''This is the first time that the games are being supported by the United Nations and also the first time that an Asian country is hosting the games,'' Mr Kalmadi said.
''Volunteers between the age of 18-60 years are required to spare 10 hours of their time daily. They have to be welcoming and energetic to guide people around. Generic training and role specific training will be given to the volunteers, who will be given uniforms, free travel passes and accreditation,'' Mr Kalmadi informed He added that schools are preparing to showcase formations with floats depicting the ethos of every participating country that will pass from different parts of the city.
Also giving their commitment for volunteer support were industrialists Madhur Bajaj, Suleja Firodia and Vidya Yerwadekar from Symbiosis Educational Trust.
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