Glasgow 2014: Thousands of Scots race to volunteer

By CRAIG BROWN
Published on 14/01/2013 09:59

THOUSANDS of Scots rushed to sign-up to become volunteers for Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games today, as the event launched its drive to recruit Games Makers this morning.

By midday, it was estimated that 5,000 had already signed up to take part in what will be the biggest peace-time deployment of volunteers in Scottish history.

Olympic gold boxing winner Anthony Joshua was on hand to help launch the recruitment drive at Glasgow’s Central Station, along with Scottish badminton player Susan Egelstaff and the Games Maker choir.

Lord Kelvin Smith, chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: “Our volunteers will be crucial to the success of the games.

“They will be our front-line charm force, promoting Glasgow and Scotland to the world and creating a fantastic experience not just for the million spectators who will be here in person but also the billion-plus people around the world who will watch the games on television.

“Glasgow 2014 is a global show-reel for the city and for Scotland and our volunteers have a starring role to play.”

The recruitment drive will run until 28 February, and then a total 25,000 applicants will be invited for interview from April. They must also be available during the games, from 23 July to 3 August, and on days beforehand for training and uniform collection.