Over 5,000 local volunteers are being recruited to make the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games - the largest multi-country event ever held for people with an intellectual disability in the Asia Pacific region - a success.

In December, Newcastle and the Hunter will host 32 nations for the biggest sporting and community event of the year. The Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games provide meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Over 2,500 athletes and carers, 6,000 officials and supporters from overseas and interstate and 200,000 spectators will converge on our region for the duration of the Games.

Athletes will compete across nine sports - Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Cricket, Football, Table Tennis and Ten Pin Bowling - making use of sporting facilities throughout Newcastle and the Hunter region.

Get involved by registering as a volunteer, help raise funds through the Community Effort program, undergo volunteer training and take part at the Special Olympic 2013 Asia Pacific Games.

Areas in which volunteers are especially needed include:

IT Services: A team of volunteers will be trained in the Games Management System which is for the accreditation and records of the Games. All volunteers need to be computer savvy, keen and available for a three day training session in September.

Delegation and Language Services: The Volunteer Management Team is looking for volunteers with language skills to support the teams. Delegations Services require keen volunteers who are available for the full ten days to directly support a team overall or for a sport. Language services are for volunteers who are able to complete the four shifts and assist in translation and interpretation during the Games.

Village Support: All athletes are staying in villages in the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie or Nelson Bay areas. Volunteers are required to assist with catering and also athlete activities during their stay in the region.

For further information and to register,  visit the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games website and click 'Become a Volunteer' or email volunteer@soapg2013.com or call 02 4032 6477.