Meet Our Volunteer Ambassadors!

 

Glasgow is a city with a proven track record of hosting major events with a wealth of volunteering knowledge to learn from. As we move towards our next mejor event, the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, we have drawn on the experience of past volunteers to relive their experiences - our new team of volunteer ambassadors.

 

We hope the stories of our ambassadors will inspire you on your own volunteering journey as we move closer to WICGlasgow24 and we can't wait to hear about the memories you make at the World Indoor Championships.

 

Lynn's Story

 

Lynn first started volunteering in 2014 after a trip to the London Olympics sparked her interest in major events. She is now a regular volunteer at events in Glasgow and loves taking part to help promote her city on the world stage.

 

 

Paul's Story

 

Paul has been volunteering in Glasgow for over 40 years and has grown strong links within the city through his experience being involved in sports administration and Glasgow Children's Hospital. He hopes to use this experience to help others grow and progress as a volunteer ambassador at WICGlasgow24.

 

 

Aderonke's Story

 

Aderonke began volunteering in Glasgow this year at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and loved the experience so much, she wanted to be involved in WICGlasgow24 as one of our volunteer ambassadors!

 

 

Donald's Story

 

 

My volunteer journey

 

My previous experience volunteering has been great, particularly with COP26 and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. These events offered me the opportunity to meet new people from all around the world, to expand my social network and to make long lasting friendships. I also had the opportunity to learn new skills like event management and organisation, training and development and the confidence to be comfortable around cameras and media – I even had my first shot in modelling. Additionally, I experienced inclusiveness where everyone is welcomed irrespective of race, religion or beliefs. 

 

Do you have one stand-out memory from your previous volunteering?

 

The launch of the Cycling World Champs where I helped as a volunteer ambassador. I had the opportunity to be part of the press launch with some celebrities (Judy Murray, Sean Batty, Jack Carlin and a host of others). I also had my first media interview. Volunteering within the main event was a really great experience. As a medal ceremony team member, I had the opportunity of meeting the dignitaries, VIPs and the elite sport men and women. 

 

What do you think you have gained personally from volunteering? 

 

I have gained utter confidence in myself. The opportunities provided by these events have woken up talents I never knew I had.  Volunteering has helped improve my ability to relate with other people and I have also acquired new skills useful to my everyday work and life. Volunteering has spurred me to pick up new interests in modelling, fashion and people management. 

 

What are you looking forward to about volunteering at WICGlasgow24?

 

Participating in a world class event which is setting the stage for Paris 2024. 

 

What would you say to someone interested in applying to volunteer?

 

This might be just what you are looking for and might change your life forever. If you are looking to do something new, contribute to your local community, make new friends and meet new people - then WICGlasgow24 is just what you need.  Volunteering is a fertile ground to nurture your talents. If you ever have doubts about your abilities, try volunteering and be committed. Over a period of time, you will start seeing those abilities come to life. With volunteering, there's no pressure, most things are in your own time and pace.

 

Ibrahim's Story

 

 

My volunteer journey

 

I always wanted to make a difference and a change. One of the ways this became possible was by volunteering at the COP26 and 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships events. These events created golden opportunities for me to gain extensive knowledge, skills and experience. 

 

In terms of networking, I have met a lot of people from different parts of the world who have played a role to take me to greater heights.

 

I wish events like these happened all the time. It was a win for everyone, and I will never forget those memories I shared with people and fellow volunteers. These events were a once in a lifetime experience and giving back to society was a great achievement for me.

 

My best volunteering memories

 

Previously when I was a boy, I had the opportunity to meet the Prince of Wales who is now King Charles III when he visited my school in Sierra Leone. I was very happy when I saw him again with other world leaders at the same time when I volunteered during the COP26.

 

I never knew volunteering could make it possible for me to be exposed in the wider community. I felt like a star when friends from Africa called saying they saw me on BBC during the COP26 and 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships events.

 

Volunteering has involved a lot of memorable moments that I can never forget.

 

What are you looking forward to about volunteering at WICGlasgow24?

 

Now that I am a Volunteer Ambassador for WICGlasgow24, and I am looking forward to seeing the event become a success.

 

I am excited to build on and share my skills, knowledge and values gained from previous volunteering - good communication, courage, diversity, integrity, compassion, problem solving, time management, teamwork and trustworthiness. In this ambassador role I am sure the success of this event will take me to another level, just as other past events have done.

 

What would you say to someone interested in applying to volunteer?

 

Volunteering is a good move I have taken. If I could use myself as an example, it has taken me to a greater height. 

 

Volunteers make events successful. I would encourage other people to be involved and make a difference, give back to society, meet new people, develop networks, gain new skills, knowledge and values.

 

You might not know where volunteering will take you until you give it a try.

 

Come and make your mark!

 

Cynthia's Story

 

 

My volunteer journey

 

I previously volunteered at COP26 as my first big volunteer opportunity and I have since volunteered at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. These were both large-scale world class and prestigious events and to have been part of their success is something I still cannot fathom to this day. One of my biggest takeaways from both these events is that I have become confident in public speaking. In addition, volunteering has also helped me develop social skills by supporting others and performing in a team. 

 

How has volunteering impacted your life ? 

 

Volunteering has given me a healthy boost to my self-confidence, self-esteem, life satisfaction and an immense improvement in my physical health. Doing good for others and my community provides me with a natural sense of accomplishment - hence why I am a health care assistant and live-in carer. Through volunteering I have gained numerous skills, made new friends from all over the world and my wellbeing has improved.

 

As a volunteer ambassador for both COP26 and Cycling World Champs, I took it upon myself to set an example. With COP26 I decided to walk to every place I needed to go to unless the weather was truly bad. Prior to 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships volunteer application launch day I decided to get myself a bike and start cycling around Glasgow - be it for exercise, going to work or just for fresh air. Through all of this, I came to realise I became twice as healthy and I ended up falling in love with cycling too.

 

What are you looking forward to about volunteering at WICGlasgow24? 

 

I have a genuine passion for athletics. Growing up, I used to be a 100m and 200m sprinter in my primary school days. At the moment, I do long distance running as a hobby and for fitness. I have never been at an indoor athletics event and I am very excited to be volunteering for WICGlasgow24. It’s a great opportunity to contribute my time and skills to make a difference in the lives of others while enjoying the event. I am also excited about once again showcasing our beautiful city Glasgow and extending a warm welcome to our visitors from all over the world. 

 

What would you say to someone interested in applying to volunteer? 

 

I am a positive person and I genuinely believe you get out of life what you are prepared to put in. The same principle applies in volunteering. If you come in with positive vibes, a bright and genuine smile and a whole bunch of eagerness to be a team player, I can guarantee you will have an experience of a lifetime and make plenty of great new friends and networks. From my personal experinece, nothing beats the time spent volunteering. Just go for it! It’ll be fun!