An ongoing public recruitment push by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) to fill its 56 positions has aroused overwhelming attention since October 17.

More than 2,000 applications, as well as over 600 phone calls, 200 emails and 1.9 million website hits have been registered by BOCOG.

According to sources with the committee, applicants include Chinese from around the country and overseas Chinese scholars in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Germany.

The recruitment drive plans to fill 42 management posts and 14 professional vacancies in 14 fields, including engineering, international cooperation and administration.

Ten of the total vacancies are senior posts, which will be filled by local Chinese and those living abroad, while the remainder will be filled by recruiting in the capital, according to Li Binghua, head of BOCOG's personnel department.

"I would like to devote myself to the holding of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which is a great event for every Chinese," an anonymous applicant for one of BOCOG's positions said.

He said although the salary would not be as high as some foreign companies, working on the committee would be a wonderful opportunity for sporting and Olympic fans.

"It is also expected we could take part in many international activities and contact relevant international organizations at BOCOG, which is a good way to create a cultural environment," the applicant said.

BOCOG has reminded applicants to strictly abide by the selection process.

"They should conduct online applications and post materials to us as well, with all necessaries, including identities and education records," a release from the committee said.

(China Daily October 28, 2002)