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News21 Sep 2023


Track stars Doyle and Reekie call out for volunteers to support Scotland's next world-class event

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WICGlasgow24 Volunteer Launch

With the culmination of the World Athletics outdoor track and field season at the Wanda Diamond League Final last weekend, thoughts are now turning to the indoor format of the sport and preparations for next year’s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. 

Now just over five months away, the city is on track to take centre stage once again, and today the event’s official Ambassador, Eilidh Doyle, teamed up with Scotland and Great Britain & Northern Ireland 800m star, Jemma Reekie, to launch the volunteer recruitment campaign.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 will be the highest profile sports event to be staged in Scotland next year, attracting more than 650 athletes from 130 countries, as athletes build up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships is held every two years and provides three action-packed days of intense competition in an intimate arena where fans can witness the raw athleticism and talent of many of the world’s best athletes at close range. Tickets have already virtually sold out, such is the huge level of interest in this world-class event, coming to Glasgow.

Following the recent success of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships over the summer, this is the next exciting opportunity for Scotland’s enthusiastic and committed volunteer community, and a chance also for people new to volunteering to get involved.

WIC Glasgow 24 is planning to recruit around 400 volunteers to support its delivery of the Championships across the areas of Event Operations, Sport Operations and Spectator Experience.

Volunteers will be located at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena and other key training, spectator, and support locations around the city. They will largely be required between 23 February - 4 March 2024 (dates will vary according to roles) and must be available to undertake a minimum of four shifts during this period and attend a training day. 

Applications are encouraged from a diverse range of participants and WIC Glasgow 24 is committed to making the volunteer programme as accessible as possible. We are also pleased to invite applications from across the UK and internationally, reflecting the global reach and appeal of World Athletics events.

Having finished her international career at the Emirates Arena at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019, Event Ambassador, Eilidh Doyle said: “Volunteers will be at the heart of this incredible world-class event and will play an integral part in helping us raise the bar and set a new standard for elite athletics competition, enhancing the experience of all involved from athletes and their support teams to technical officials, media and the fans.

“Volunteer roles give people a fun and rewarding experience, with the opportunity to broaden their skillset in brand new areas as well as meet different people and make new friends. It is a fantastic way to gain vital employment experience that looks great on your CV and above all it is the sense of pride you feel in representing your country as it welcomes the world to Scotland.”

Having enjoyed a successful 2023 season including a Wanda Diamond League win in London and fifth at the World Championships in Budapest, Jemma Reekie added: “This is your chance to make your mark and become part of the team delivering the first World Athletics Indoor Championships to be held in Scotland. With tickets already nearly sold out the atmosphere in the Arena will be absolutely amazing.

“It means so much to the athletes to have friendly faces at a championship, supporting us in every way, from getting on the right bus to the venue, to making sure we are ready in time to get to the start line. So, on your marks - volunteer and do your personal best!” 

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said: “From the first moment I became a journeying athlete and was making my way through the sport, right through to the point where I was responsible for the delivery of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and then world championships, I recognised one immutable fact, that the difference between a good games and a great games is the work of the volunteers. They are absolutely essential in delivering sport at virtually every level. The events do not run without them.”

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Hosting this exciting event in Scotland for the first time demonstrates that we remain the Perfect Stage for events. We’ve got a track record in delivering events of this magnitude with the support of volunteers. We saw this during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, where there were around 4,000 volunteers playing their part, including helping to ensure spectators and competitors enjoyed a warm welcome.

“We want major events to continue to provide positive, high quality and meaningful volunteering opportunities that are accessible and inclusive, and which help local communities feel truly engaged with an event and I would encourage people from all backgrounds to consider volunteering for the World Athletics Indoor Championships.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow has a hugely successful track record of hosting major events over the last decade and crucial to that success are the volunteers. Not only do they play a critical role in the delivery of events, but they’re also the face of the host, giving the world-renowned warm Scottish welcome to competitors, officials, media, and spectators alike, and leaving a lasting positive impression.

“Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and most socially diverse city, with the broadest and deepest of global roots. We also look forward to receiving applications from across the UK and internationally, reflecting the global reach and appeal of World Athletics events and the power of sport to bring people together.”

Cherry Alexander, UKA’s Strategic Lead for Major Events said: "Previous World Championships in the UK have recruited some amazing volunteers who have continued to contribute to athletics and many other sports. Just like the London 2017 'Runners' and the Birmingham 2018 'Gems' we know that the volunteers supporting WICGlasgow24 will do an amazing job and have a fantastic time. They really do make the difference between a good and a great event and we are very excited to work with them to make it a memorable World Indoors."

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Volunteers play a key role in the successful delivery of all major events and without them an event of this size and scale would not be possible. They have helped ensure Scotland is the perfect stage for events by supporting the successful delivery of our enviable portfolio of world-class events including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the recent 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. 

“The chance to help deliver the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next March, is an exciting opportunity to be part of the next major event to take place in Scotland for anyone looking to develop new skills and be part of an unforgettable experience.” 

Volunteer recruitment is open from today (21 September) until 22 October, so on your marks and apply now here.

 

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