Exclusive training courses, English lessons, a uniform, meals, transport around the city, a certificate of participation. These are just some of the benefits that will be offered to the 70,000 volunteers selected to work at the Rio 2016 Olmpic and Paralympic Games (register now). But helping to stage the biggest sporting event on the planet offers a lot more, from getting to know other cultures to new career opportunities.

A chance to expand your network of contacts, enrich your CV and develop professional skills are some of the most sought-after benefits for the 100,000-plus candidates who have already signed up for the programme. There will be more than 500 different roles for volunteers during the Games, each offering a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Luciana Mendonça, a 34-year-old physiotherapist from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, has already volunteered at various sports events and took advantage of the opportunity to study and identify sports injury risk factors. The outcome was an award-winning research paper. “My experiences as a volunteer have always been enriching, both personally and professionally,” she said. “I have been rewarded in so many ways that go beyond simply taking home a wage. I have over 10 years’ experience in volunteer work and now I’m reaping the rewards. It’s an opportunity to study and develop. The results are so life-enhancing.”

For those who have already retired, like 64-year-old José Antônio, volunteering can be an entertaining way of keeping active. “I first volunteered at the Pan-American Games in Rio (in 2007) and since then I’ve not stopped,” he said. “I’ve worked in practically all areas, like transport, customer services and catering. My last volunteer job was managing other volunteers during the FIFA World Cup. For me, there is nothing better than continuing to be useful and motivated, as well as the fact that this will be a legacy for my children and grandchildren.”

With delegations from more than 200 countries taking part in the Games, thousands of people are attracted by the chance to explore new customs and practise their language skills.

“One of the things I found most impressive at the Olympic Games was just how multicultural an event it is,” said Marcelo Orchis, who volunteered at the Athens 2004 Games. “I worked as a translator and interpreter, and ended up talking with people from many countries. I learned a lot and made friends that I still have today. It is a very rich environment. It was just 20 days, but it was a very special experience for me.”

In other cases, a passion for sport is the chief motivation. British enthusiast Rosemary Mula was an athlete when she was young, but never achieved the level of excellence needed to compete in the Olympic Games. As a volunteer, she found another way of pursuing her Olympic dream.

“I have volunteered to help at the Olympic Games for over 20 years,” she said. “I tried to be an athlete when I was young, but never made the Olympic grade. I even thought that my Olympic dream was over, until I volunteered to help the organising committee for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Since then, I have taken part in all the Olympics and even been in the parade at the opening ceremony, always as a volunteer. I am really passionate about sport and what the Games represent, and I think that as a volunteer, I have found a way to realise my Olympic dream.”

Do you want to live this dream too? All you need to participate is to be 18 or over by February 2016 and able to work during the Games. Find out more on the volunteer webpage.