The deadline for applications to be a volunteer at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is fast approaching. Registration closes on 15 December, so if you want to apply for one of the 70,000 positions, do not delay, sign up here.

Over 200,000 people from all over Brazil and more than 190 countries have already applied to take on the challenge of helping stage the planet’s biggest sporting event. They want to be part of history: it will be the first time the Games have been staged in South America.

“We are very happy with the enormous response we have received so far, but there is still room for those who are interested,” said Flavia Fontes, manager of the Rio 2016 volunteer programme. “This is a unique opportunity and I hope that everyone who wants to have this special experience will take advantage of these last few days to sign up.”

Applicants have come from many different backgrounds, with ages ranging from 16 to 80. About half of the Brazilian candidates are 25 or under and have degrees or are currently studying.

Successful candidates will receive specific training for their roles and be offered a one-year online English course. All volunteers will receive a full uniform, meals and transport on working days, in addition to wider benefits of making valuable professional contacts, enriching their CVs and making new friends from different cultures.

There are more 500 different volunteer roles to be filled in nine areas: health services, protocol and languages, technology, sports, transport, ceremonies production, press and communications, operational support and customer services.

Candidates need to be 18 years old by February 2016 and available to work for at least 10 days during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. To find out more and sign up, visit the volunteers website.