
Almost 10,000 people have put their names forward to volunteer for next year’s European Championships multi-sport event in Glasgow.
Wannabe ‘Games makers’ from 89 countries across the world – including Hungary and and as far afield as Australia – submitted applications to be part of the inaugural event in the city, which takes place between 2-12 August 2018.
More than 7,000 people from across Scotland responded to a call for volunteers with the remainder coming from overseas.
More than a fifth of applicants were from Glasgow and 30 per cent of applicants were aged 26 and under, according to information released by organisers Glasgow City Council today.
The Glasgow 2018 European Championships volunteer centre was officially opened today, where 3,000 people were officially selected as volunteers for the event.
Between now and the end of the year, prospective volunteers will be contacted to undertake a skills matching session. A volunteer workforce of more than 3,000 people to support a wide range of functions from spectator services and accreditation, to transport and media will be formed in early 2018.
Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, said: “No major sporting event would be possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers and next year’s Glasgow 2018 European Championships is no different.
“We want our volunteer workforce to be inclusive, diverse and representative of Glasgow and Scotland as well as welcoming to those from other countries.
“It’s tremendous to see such an overwhelming response – from home and abroad – from so many people wanting to provide a warm welcome and unforgettable experience to the athletes, officials, media, spectators who will visit Scotland next year.”
Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Councillor Eva Bolander added: “The Glasgow 2018 European Championships will build on Glasgow and Scotland’s reputation for hosting world-class sporting events and the success of previous volunteering programmes delivered across the city.
“Glaswegians are world-famous for their friendliness. I know, the infectious energy of our volunteers will spark excitement across the city throughout these Championships. This army of volunteers will play a vital role in delivering a unique moment in sporting history.”
Glasgow 2018 Volunteer Ambassador and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli said: “The response to the call for Glasgow 2018 volunteers has been incredible but entirely unsurprising. The people of Scotland and Glasgow will always rise to a challenge and they never shy away from helping people when they can. Put simply – this is right up our street!
“Equally, it’s been encouraging to see applications come in from people with all backgrounds and from right across the board. To have people applying from, not just around Scotland but around the world shows the reputation Glasgow and Scotland have worldwide.”
A full list of Frequently Asked Questions related to volunteering is available at http://glasgow2018.com/volunteering.