Shanghai Daily news

More than 15,700 ideas for a World Expo 2010 volunteer theme and slogan are under consideration. The winner will be announced in October when recruitment of volunteers begins.

There are 6,982 valid entries for the logo and 8,156 for the slogan contest, according to the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination. The solicitation period ended on April 30.

Entries were submitted from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and many other countries, including Britain, Italy, Japan, France and even Mauritius.

More than 500 entries were received on April 29, organizers said. The submissions Webpage got an average of 5,327 clicks per day. Solicitations began on December 5, International Volunteers Day.

The volunteer logo is to be modern but embody Chinese characteristics. It will be integrated with the Expo logo.

At least 20,000 volunteers are needed for 38 types of on-site positions, including interpreters, media assistants, traffic guides and "environment maintainers."

Recruitment of overseas volunteers will begin in October.