TORONTO -- The organizing committee for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Games says it has received 10,000 applications in 16 days since it began its drive to recruit volunteers.

"I want to thank everyone who put their hand up to take part in the Games. We've had incredible interest from all corners of Ontario and even across Canada," Saad Rafi, chief executive officer of the Games' organizing committee (TO2015), said in a statement.

"Interviews start in June so we recommend everyone apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Ontario and Canada when the world comes to Toronto in 2015."

TO2015 is looking for more than 20,000 people aged 16 and over to help with the Games.

Responsibilities include working with anti-doping and medical services, ticketing, venue management and serving as ushers in venues.

Volunteer positions are available in 16 municipalities across Southern Ontario.

For more information, visit www.toronto2015.org/volunteer.

10,000 volunteer hopefuls have applied in just 16 days

TORONTO April 23, 2014 - The volunteer recruitment drive for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games has reached a significant milestone: more than 10,000 applications have now been submitted at TORONTO2015.org/volunteer.

Presented by Chevrolet, the volunteer recruitment drive is searching for more than 20,000 amazing, passionate and skilled people, aged 16 and up, to make these Games truly great.

"I want to thank everyone who put their hand up to take part in the Games. We've had incredible interest from all corners of Ontario and even across Canada," said SaΣd Rafi, chief executive officer of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015).

"Interviews start in June so we recommend everyone apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Ontario and Canada when the world comes to Toronto in 2015," he continued.

Exciting volunteer positions are available in 16 Ontario municipalities, from Welland to Minden Hills, Hamilton to Oshawa in all areas of the Games, from anti-doping and medical services, protocol and ticketing, to venue management and ushers in venues.

Those with language skills in French, Spanish and Portuguese are especially encouraged to apply.

The online volunteer application takes about 20 minutes to fill out and captures information about skills and experience, preferences and availability. Selected candidates will be asked to undergo interviews, starting in June 2014. Positions will be offered from September 2014 and continuing up to Games time.

In addition to an unforgettable experience, all volunteers will receive training, a keepsake uniform and earn a volunteer certificate from the Province of Ontario, recognizing their Games training to help them stand out in today's job market.