Thousands Volunteer for World Cup

Over 25,000 people have signed up to lend a hand at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, organizers said Wednesday. Prior to the Dec. 31 deadline for registering as a volunteer, officials for the soccer championship said applications had poured in from around the world, including Canada, Argentina and Brazil. Volunteers with previous experience from the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, and even a few from 1974, when Germany last hosted the event, were eager to help out again. The committee to host the tournament had sought volunteers for working prior to and during the World Cup, which runs form June 9 to July 9, 2006. The workers would assist in looking after the 32 teams, VIPs and media. Many were also needed to help with transport, marketing and communication. Some 2,000 people also volunteered their time for the Confederations Cup in Germany this June, which is seen as a dress rehearsal for the real thing a year later.