The Glasgow 2018 European Championships volunteer centre was officially opened today as recruitment of more than 3,000 volunteers gathered pace with the news that almost 10,000 people have put themselves forward to become the welcoming face of the new multi-sport event.
The European Golf Team Championships is the only new event being staged as part of Glasgow 2018, with the European Championships combining the existing Championships of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon across the two host cities of Glasgow and Berlin.
There will be three European Golf Team Championships, hosted at the famous Jack Nicklaus-designed Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course - the Men’s Team Championship, Women’s Team Championship and a ground-breaking Mixed Team Championship.
Volunteer applications have been received from people in 89 different countries, while 7,000 people across every part of Scotland applied. More than a fifth of applicants were from Glasgow and 30 per cent of applicants were aged 26 and under.
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 said: “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.
“Thank you to all of those who have answered the call and I wish you all the very best of luck with your applications. You really do make the difference!”
Find out more and buy tickets form Glasgow 2018 events atGlasgow2018.com
