Rigorous training of Macau Grand Prix race officials and staff got under way today (May 4th) with an opening ceremony held at noon at the Tourism Activities Centre. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr. Cheong U officiated at the ceremony, and awarded the 20 training course instructor certificates of appointment. More than 800 volunteers have signed up to be part of the historic 60th Macau Grand Prix this year. While the officiating guests waved the Macau flag on stage, 30 confetti firecrackers were set off and the 60 heads of the marshal posts around the Guia Circuit waved flags, all to celebrate the official start of this year's training programme. The first of a full schedule of training programmes began the same afternoon, and courses will continue until July. The programmes include both theory and practical training for the volunteers, covering every aspect of the event to ensure a thorough understanding and high level of competence. Internship programs will be held in August. The individuals undergoing training include Race Control personnel, track, flag and pitlane marshals, grid staff, track clearance teams and scrutineers. Recruitment of volunteers began in late March and more than half of the enrollment applications were from students. This is encouraging, and demonstrates the event's attraction amongst the young which bodes well for the future development of the Grand Prix. While the 60th Grand Prix provides an opportunity for the city's youth to become personally involved in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the event belongs to all the people of Macau as it is passed on through the generations. Each year, the Macau Grand Prix Committee works closely with the Automobile General Association of Macao-China (AAMC) on their ongoing commitment to training event staff to world-class levels. From theory courses to practical exercises, the highest standards are demanded from each volunteer, and each must also pass examinations in order to qualify as event staff. Staff deployed in a multitude of different positions each play an important role in the overall success of the event.
