Passengers in life jackets sit in yachts side by side, 300 meters away from the shore at the Qingdao Olympic sailing center on the water. They are not here for sightseeing, but for an anti-seasickness test organized by the Qingdao Olympic sailing Committee, which is selecting eligible volunteers out thousands of candidates.

 

Along with the other 2008 Games volunteers, a few good few qualified people are needed both in this year's test events and aquatics competitions in late August. These people must be capable of swimming and don't get seasick to give a hand during these events.

 

For four days, including this coming weekend, a total of 1,002 candidates will be tested for seasickness on boats that will bob up and down the water continuously for around three hours, an unidentified officer explained.

 

But some applicants had trouble passing the test.

 

"I am OK, sir. I can stick to it, "frowned a pale male teenager. But one of the examiners sent him back to shore by speed boat for the sake of his safety.

 

"I am sorry to say that nearly 10 people could not endure the slight dizziness on board, "announced Liu Wei, manager of techniques operation of Olympic sailing events.

 

"I admire those who participated even though they were eliminated in the first round," Liu said. "But a 2.5-hour test is quite simple enough. For an Olympic Games volunteer working on a sailing event should be able to work continuously for five hours or more."

 

Only 30 percent of all the applicants interested in volunteering for the sailing events have a chance to serve for the Beijing Games, they are further weeded out when they have to complete a written test on the rocking boat.

 

According to Wan Bin, a lucky 'survivor', "The questions were weird, interesting but tough. Can you imagine I had to write a 100-word personal assessment on a heavily rolling boat? Isn't that funny?"

 

Qualified aquatic volunteers who pass these tests will be interviewed and the start training in late May. And as the Games draw closer, they will receive more specific training on lifesaving procedures and maintaining venues.

 

(China Daily May 15, 2007)