Isle of Man residents are being urged to apply to become volunteers at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Several Manx sports fans took part in the London 2012 Olympics by volunteering to be ‘Games Makers’ - and the organisers of the Commonwealth Games are offering a similar invitation. To celebrate the launch of the Glasgow 2014 volunteer application programme the host city’s Central Station took on a sports carnival atmosphere with London 2012 Olympic boxing gold medallist Anthony Joshua, and Scotland’s Olympic and Commonwealth badminton star Susan Egelstaff joining members of the Games Maker Choir to lend their voices to the drive to recruit up to 15,000 of the friendliest people for the Games.
Prospective volunteers have until February 28, 2013, to apply for a Games role. No previous Games experience is necessary - Glasgow 2014 is simply looking for helpful and friendly people who will be aged 16 by close of applications on February 28, 2013, who are eligible to work in the UK and available for at least eight days during the Games, which take place between July 23 and August 3, 2014. Volunteers will also have to be available for up to six days ahead of the Games for interviews in Glasgow, training and uniform collection. As well as general Games roles, Glasgow 2014 requires volunteers with a range of specialist skills including medical staff, drivers and people with specific sports expertise. Applications are being received online at www.glasgow2014.com/volunteer.
Juliet Holt, President of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, said that the Isle of Man was lucky to have so many experienced and enthusiastic volunteers in the sporting community, as shown by the level of support for the Commonwealth Youth Games which the Island hosted in 2011. She added:
“With Glasgow being just a short flight from the Island I’m sure that there will be interest here in volunteering to be a ‘Games Maker’. Not all of us can achieve the levels of sporting achievement to represent the Isle of Man in competition, but we have so many people actively involved in organising and supporting sporting events on the Island that there is a huge pool of talent that could make a valuable contribution to the success of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”
Shona Robison, a Member of the Scottish Parliament and Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said:
“Volunteers will be the life blood of the Games, helping to create the atmosphere, energy and enthusiasm that drives success. From presidents, to spectators, to athletes, our volunteers will welcome people from all over the world to Glasgow and to Scotland. If you’ve got a new year’s resolution to try new things and help other people – why not sign up to volunteer at the Commonwealth Games next year. It’s a real opportunity to be part of history.”
The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association is the organisation responsible for the publicity, fundraising, travel and support for Team Isle of Man’s participation at the Commonwealth Games. It is a registered charity and relies upon fundraising events and donations to fund Team Isle of Man’s participation. Fundraising initiatives are being planned in the countdown to Glasgow 2014 and donations to support Team Isle of Man can also be made at www.cga.im .
Photo - London 2012 Olympic boxing gold medallist Anthony Joshua and Scotland’s Olympic and Commonwealth badminton star Susan Egelstaff lend their voices to launch the Glasgow 2014 volunteer recruitment campaign.
