Olympic Games organizers in Paris are on the hunt for 45,000 unpaid volunteers from around the world to help with the world’s biggest sporting event.
It was reaffirmed, however, that those selected from outside the borderless Schengen area of the European Union will be subject to further documentation requirements.
Citizens of non-Schengen nations who wish to enter one of those countries for the sole purpose of attending a cultural or sporting event must first obtain a Schengen visa valid for short stays.
Proof of lodging, medical insurance, sufficient funds, and return transportation is among the documents required when applying for a Schengen visa as a tourist.
The passport must have at least three months remaining from the date of departure from the Schengen Area. It should also be made clear that passports with expiration dates of more than ten years in the past are not valid.
SchengenVisaInfo.com adds that in keeping with Paris’s push to the stage, which is accessible to all, organizers would like the volunteer group to include at least 3,000 people with impairments.
Minister for the disabled in the French government Geneviève Darrieussecq praised the summit as a great chance to increase accessibility in France.
Disabled people have low self-esteem and believe they are not welcome in these activities. To which we reply, “No, on the opposite.” The Minister emphasized that “not only are you not excluded, but we need you.”
She also welcomed everyone and encouraged those with special needs to join up as volunteer candidates.
Notwithstanding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, French officials have stated that citizens of all countries, including Russia and Belarus, are welcome to apply.
It has been stressed that the volunteer application period for Paris 2024 will begin on Wednesday and run through May 3.
In order to participate in this activity, they must first meet a set of criteria. They must be over the age of 18, fluent in English or French, and accessible for at least ten days during the Olympics or Paralympics.
In March of 2023, anyone who is interested will be able to sign up to volunteer for these games via an online platform. At the same time, between September and December of 2023, Paris will be in touch with potential applicants.