A successful Pan American Games requires a community effort and there has been no shortage of team spirit in Guadalajara, with 30,000 local citizens registering to volunteer during the games.

Such was the demand that not everyone will be able to help out, but to ensure everything runs smoothly there will be 7,500 volunteers on hand throughout the main

There is a sense among volunteers that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Guadalajara.

“More than anything, I just wanted to be part of this project in Guadalajara, because who knows when it will happen here again,” says Morelia Jara, a local student.

“The Pan American Games only takes place once every four years and who knows when it will return to Mexico. It’s great to be able to participate in the games,” agrees Edgar Zilonzochelet.

International business student Benjamin Hercera Gonzalez hopes the games will “strengthen sport in Mexico,” and said volunteering would not only help his country but also his career prospects.

Students make up the majority of the volunteers, with most of Guadalajara’s private schools allowing their pupils two weeks of vacations during the games.

The volunteers also include older workers and even local business owners, like Arturo Diaz, who says he wants “to collaborate with my country and demonstrate, not just to the continent, but to the whole world, that Mexico is completely different from how they see us.”

Asked if the games can change the image of Mexico throughout the world, he replied, “they must. They will give us a more positive image.”

“Unfortunately, the bad news is always reported, but not the good that Guadalajara is doing,” adds fellow businessman Pablo Diaz Cruz. “What better place to represent Mexico than Jalisco? We are going to change the world’s perception of Mexico.”

At a recent training event in Guadalajara, coordinator Sandra Morales emphasized that volunteers will need to know where everything is, the dates and times of events, local altitudes and temperatures, the history of the games and what tourists can do in Guadalajara.

The organizers ask that volunteers work a minimum of six-hour shifts, while some will be working for “around eight to eleven hours a day for the 14 days of the games.”

“But we’re divided up: some of us work in the morning, others in the evening. Some of us are working full-time,” explains Diaz Cruz.

Guadalajara’s impressive new swimming facilities will host some of the games’ most anticipated action, with many volunteers saying they look forward to the swimming, diving and water polo events.

Although upbeat on Mexico’s prospects of winning plenty of medals at the games, the volunteers noted that two countries in particular stand out as favorites: “The United States are very strong, but we’ll see if Cuba can challenge them.”

Whoever emerges triumphant, both athletes and fans will no doubt appreciate the efforts of thousands of locals working to do their city proud and ensure the games are a big success.