The Alares Foundation in Spain recently signed an agreement with organizers of World Youth Day Madrid to recruit volunteers to assist the more than 10,000 young people with disabilities expected to attend the event.

Marieta de Jaureguizar of the WYD press office noted that there will be specialized training for the volunteers selected to work in this capacity.  She added that the Alares Foundation will operate a 24-hour phone line to address concerns of those providing special assistance to the young pilgrims.

More than 10,000 attendees with disabilities are expected to attend World Youth Day 2011.