Volunteers are needed to welcome athletes, officials, media and spectators at new elite multi-sport event
A recruitment drive has been launched to find over 3,000 Scots to fulfil volunteer roles at the inaugural multi-sport European Championships in 2018 which are being held in Glasgow.
The volunteers are needed to welcome athletes, officials, media and spectators to the new event being staged in Glasgow and across Scotland, as well as Berlin in Germany.
Similar to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which saw 15,000 Clydesider volunteers recruited, roles will be offered in everything from accreditation, to transport and helping the athletes make the most out of the games.
Running from 2-12 August 2018, around 4,500 of the continent’s elite athletes are expected to take part in seven sports.
Glasgow will host the aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, triathlon and golf events. Berlin will host the athletics.
People over the age of 16, regardless of their experience and circumstances, are invited to apply to become a volunteer and the recruitment process runs from today up until 31 July 2017.
The volunteer programme was launched at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall and was attended by a team of Glasgow 2018 volunteer champions and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, who has been named as an official volunteer ambassador.
He said: "There is a real selflessness to the people in Glasgow and we never see anybody lost or in trouble without offering help. I have no doubt those values will be reflected in our volunteers.
"I've been lucky enough to perform in front of Glasgow crowds and I can tell you the athletes are in for a treat. But just as important are the people behind the scenes welcoming visitors and making sure everything runs to plan."
The Scottish Government is providing 70% of the funding for the events taking place in Glasgow, with many of the 2014 Commonwealth Games venues expected to be used.
Glasgow City Council’s Glasgow City Marketing Bureau through its People Make Glasgow branding and Visit Scotland are also sponsors of the event.
Glasgow 2018 championships director Colin Hartley said: “From assisting elite athletes at venues to providing a friendly and welcoming face to the thousands of visitors arriving during Championships time, the volunteers will play an absolutely vital role in ensuring Glasgow 2018 is a success.
“Glaswegians are renowned for their generosity and friendliness and these are valued which we aim to reflect in our volunteers. This will be one of the most inclusive volunteer programmes ever delivered so we want to hear from everyone regardless of their previous experience or current circumstances.”
Minister for sport and public health, Aileen Campbell, said: “Volunteers are an integral part of major events and our communities, and it’s also good for the volunteer too – building skills and confidence, enhancing employability and supporting mental well-being.
“Our amazing Clydesiders were one of the many successes of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and we want to bring that same enthusiasm to 2018 by having people from across the country and from a wide-range of backgrounds to apply, get involved and volunteer to welcome the world to Scotland.”
A full list of criteria and Frequently Asked Questions is available at glasgow2018.com/volunteering.
