The Athens Olympics are now just 1,196 days away and the search for volunteers is in full swing. The high volunteer factor was highlighted as one of the main reasons why Sydney was so successful, and organisers in Athens are equally aware of how important they will be in hosting the 2004 Games.

A minimum of 60,000 volunteers are required and the Volunteer Programme has now been officially inaugurated. If ticket demand in Sydney is anything to go by, this may be your best bet to see Marion Jones, Ian Thorpe, etc, etc.

Inquiries are coming from all over the world and they will be recorded for the eventual establishment of the volunteer programme. A form is available on the Athens website - www.athens.olympic.org - but just make sure that you hit the English-language version.