BONNIE’S BAND
Thousands sign-up to volunteer for 2018 championships
BONNIE the Seal has given two flippers up to the news nearly 10,000 people have put in a bid to volunteer at the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow. Just 3000 are needed but so far more than three times that have flooded in from home and abroad.
ALMOST 10,000 people have put their names forward to volunteer at next year’s inaugural European Championships in Glasgow.
Applications were received from 89 different countries for the showpiece sporting event including 7000 people across Scotland. More than a fifth of applicants were from Glasgow and 30 per cent of applicants were aged 26 and under.
The championships are being held from August 2-12 and will feature aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, triathlon and golf.
The volunteer centre was officially opened yesterday as the bid to find 3000 volunteers gathered pace.
Between now and the end of the year, prospective volunteers will be contacted to undertake a skills matching session.
Volunteers will fulfil a variety of functions from spectator services and accreditation, to transport and media.
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 said: “The Glasgow 2018 European Champi- onships 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.
“Thank you to all of those who have answered the call and I wish you all the very best of luck with your applications.”
A full list of Frequently Asked Questions related to volunteering is available at http://glasgow2018. com/volunteering.