Applications can be made online until the end of Sunday 30 March at http://www.paralympic.org/swansea-2014/volunteers  giving people across the city, country and continent the opportunity to be part of this historic sporting event, helping Swansea deliver the greatest European Championship to date.

The Champions will support top stars and Paralympic heroes as they look at add to their medal collection and will get a once in a lifetime chance to be involved with a wide variety of activity across the athletics venue and the Championship Village with no previous experience or specialist skills needed for many of the roles.

Already nearly 500 people have applied with applications coming from as far as America and Nigeria plus an additional contribution of up to 500 volunteers has been pledged from local organisations and businesses.

Jon Morgan, Executive Director Disability Sport Wales said: "With only a few days to go until Swansea Champions applications close, the volume and quality of applications we have received has been overwhelming and the teams arriving in Swansea in less than 5 months’ time are assured the warmest of welcomes and an outstanding experience.

“We would urge anyone with time to give this summer to apply as soon as possible, we don’t want anyone to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience. Having a world-class event on your doorstep doesn’t happen very often and volunteering is without doubt the best way to get close to the action.  The wide variety of roles available means that there is something suitable for everyone and plenty of opportunities to showcase existing skills, gain valuable experience and be part of something very, very special.”

Paul Thorburn Chair of the Swansea 2014 Organising Committee said;“The Champions programme is a major milestone in our planning for the 2014 Championships.  The volunteers will be central to the success of the event and will help deliver the warm welcome and outstanding experience that we know Swansea and Wales can deliver.  We want people from the city and the region to be inspired by the Championships and there is no better way than to get involved as a ‘Champion’ and actually be part history.”

Josie Pearson MBE, Paralympic Champion and Swansea 2014 Ambassador 2014 said:“I can't wait for the IPC European Championships being held in Swansea this year. I'm really proud to be an ambassador for the event. Having major championships not only on home turf but also in Wales is fantastic. 

“As in London 2012, the volunteers needed to make an event like this work are vital. I would strongly encourage people to consider being a volunteer for the games. I can think of nothing more rewarding than helping the athletes in team GB fulfilling their quest to become European champions. “

Applicants need to be 18 or older to take part, must be available for ten days around the Championships and will need their own transport and accommodation.  Full training will be given to all successful applicants.

Swansea 2014 will take place at the Swansea University Sports Village between 18^th – 23^rd August this year and will see around 600 of the world’s best athletes compete for honours as they make their way to the Rio, Paralympic Games in 2016.

The event is being delivered by Swansea University in partnership with Swansea Council, Disability Sport Wales, British Athletics, Welsh Athletics and the Welsh Government.

Picture: Paul Thorburn (Swansea2014 Chair – back centre), Aled-Sion Davies (Swansea2014 Ambassador, Athlete –back left), Josie Pearson (Swansea2014 Ambassador, Athlete – front centre), with the first Swansea2014 Champions to sign up including volunteers from the Young Ambassadors programme and Special Olympics GB.