Rio de Janeiro, August 29 (Xinhua-RHC) -- The Rio 2016 organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games have launched their volunteer program to recruit 70,000 volunteers for the first Games to be held in South America.

Registration is now open until November 15th, through the website www.rio2016.com.

A total of 70,000 people, both Brazilians and foreigners, will carry out more than 500 different functions, with 45,000 volunteers involved in the Olympic Games and 25,000 in the Paralympic Games.

Rio volunteer manager Flavia Fontes said she expected 300,000 people to apply, and the final selection would probably include five percent non-Brazilians.

The Rio 2016 committee will offer an on-line English course for everyone who is selected as a volunteer, in addition to specific training according to their function. The volunteers will also receive a uniform, food and transport on the days they work, and a certificate of participation.

Applicators must be at least 18 years old as of February 2016 ( there is no maximum age limit) and it is desirable to have completed primary education, in addition to being available to participate in the selection process and the activities themselves during the period of the Games.