The Organizing Committee has wound up the volunteer registration program.

The 2011 IIHF World Championship Organizing Committee concluded volunteer registration program in the last week of June. “There was a symbolic total of 2011 applicants, of which 1294 were men and 717 women – not only from Slovakia, but also from the most far reaching corners of the world,” stated Zuzana Chrenková, Head of infrastructure and logistics. International interest represented 6 percent of the overall total of applications, with the most coming from the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Russia. Individuals also applied from other countries such as Romania, Georgia, Canada, the United States, Turkey and Mexico.

The oldest applicant was 84, the youngest 11 years old. The minimum age for volunteers is 18. From the total number of applicants 1286 wanted to be based in Bratislava and 725 in Košice. The largest interest came from the 20 - 30 age group. Applications were received from many Slovaks based abroad (Great Britain, Switzerland, Canada and Australia for example), who claimed they would be willing to return to Slovakia for the 2011 IIHF World Championship. The Organizing Committee was in search of around 700 volunteers, of which 400 would be based in Bratislava and 300 in Košice.

All those who registered will be contacted during the summer by the Organizing Committee. The selection should be completed by the end of 2010. “In their own way the majority of the registered applicants stated in their applications that they would like to contribute to the success of the event”, explained Chrenková. Volunteers are at the heart of every great sporting event. It’s thanks to their actions that visitors and championship participants alike can feel at home when abroad. The completeness and kindness of volunteers is an important factor in terms of the perception the entire event.