THE search to find up to 1,000 volunteer ‘Champions’ to support the 2014 IPC Athletics European Championships in Swansea begins this month.

The biggest Paralympic event ever to be held in Wales comes to Swansea from August 18 to August 23.

Around 600 of the world’s best athletes will compete for honours as they make their way to the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016.

And Swansea 2014 will officially launch the search for volunteers on Thursday, January 30.

The Champions will support top stars and Paralympic heroes as they look at add to their medal collection

Applications will open online at swansea2014.com, giving people across the city, country and continent the opportunity to be part of this historic sporting event.

The Champions, who must be over 18, will be involved with a wide variety of activities across the athletics venue and the Championship Village with no previous experience or specialist skills needed for many of the roles.

Paul Thorburn chair of the Swansea 2014 organising committee said: “The launch of the Champions programme is a major milestone in our planning for the 2014 Championships.

“The volunteers will be central to the success of the event and will help deliver the warm welcome and outstanding experience that we know Swansea and Wales can deliver.

“We want people from the city and the region to be inspired by the Championships and there is no better way than to get involved as a ‘Champion’ and actually be part history.”

And Josie Pearson MBE, Paralympic champion and Swansea 2014 ambassador, said: “I can't wait for the IPC European Championships and I'm really proud to be an ambassador for the event.

“Having major championships not only on home turf but also in Wales is fantastic.

“As in London 2012, the volunteers needed to make an event like this work are vital. I would strongly encourage people to consider being a volunteer for the games.

“I can think of nothing more rewarding than helping the athletes in team GB fulfilling their quest to become European champions. “

Applicants must be available for ten days around the Championships and will need their own transport and accommodation. Full training will be given to all successful applicants.