BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- A big number of city volunteers will be needed to provide information, language and emergency services during the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics, said the organizers here on Monday.

    Liu Jian, director of Volunteer Department of the Organizing Committee of the Beijing Olympic Games (BOCOG), said 400,000 city volunteers will be recruited and the recruitment started Monday.

    "People as young as 14 can apply for the voluntary job on the condition that they get the permission of their guardians," said Liu. According to city volunteer general policies, people born before June 30, 1994 are eligible. For applicants under 18, they should get permission from their guardians.

    "Actually we welcome parents to join their children instead of merely agreeing them to apply," he said.

    "Compared with Beijing Games and Paralympics volunteer selection, we set lower standards in choosing city volunteers.

    "If you are willing to do something for the two Games and have at least 12 hours of spare time then, you can apply," he said.

    City volunteers will work at least three shifts with four hours each.

    "We will set up 500 voluntary service posts around Olympic venues and in other major areas in Beijing, providing information, language and emergency services," he added.

    Beijing residents can go to respective government website of the districts or counties they live in for application forms or people can dial 86-10-12355 to apply.