Andrew's story

"I love volunteering, and the Commonwealth Games helped me start my volunteering journey, which I am so thankful for."

We spoke to Andrew McVie from Glasgow about his experience as a Clydesider at the Commonwealth Games.

He tells us about the benefits of volunteering, what interested him to get involved in the Games, and his memories of Glasgow 2014.


Q) What made you apply to be a volunteer at Glasgow 2014, and had you volunteered before?

"I applied to be a volunteer at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games because it looked a lot of fun and a great opportunity to help showcase the city I live in.

"I volunteered at a couple of events before 2014 but not many. I hoped to gain a better understanding of the various sport and activities, and possibly get into more volunteering in the future."

Q) What role did you have during Glasgow 2014 and what did you enjoy most about it?

"I was part of the Arrivals and Departures Team at Glasgow Airport during the Games.

"It was great being at the airport to see people coming and going to and from various holidays/trips.

"I also loved meeting and greeting the athletes and officials as they arrived. It was my role to welcome them to the city and the Games.

"Another part of my job was directing people to private transport or shuttle buses, which took them to their accommodation across the city.

"I also enjoyed chatting with people and helping them with any questions they had about the city."


Volunteering at Glasgow 2014

Andrew McVie wearing his red Clyde-sider uniform in front of the arrivals and departures sign at Glasgow Airport during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Andrew at Glasgow Airport during the Games.
Andrew McVie wearing his red, white and grey Clyde-sider uniform in Glasgow Airport, and he has one of the Glasgow 2014 gold medals around his neck.
Andrew with one of the gold medals from Glasgow 2014.
Andrew McVie holding a Glasgow 2014 scarf in front of a group of other volunteers during the Commonwealth Games.
Andrew a group of a volunteers during the Games.
Andrew McVie in front of the shiny Festival 2014 sign at Glasgow Green during the Commonwealth Games.
Andrew visiting Festival 2014 at Glasgow Green.

Q) Have you continued to volunteer since Glasgow 2014?

"I have met a lot of lovely people through volunteering during and after the Games.

"Since the Games, I have volunteered at the 2018 European Championships, Euro 2020 football and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

"I am also a regular volunteer at the Kiltwalks across Scotland each year.

"I love volunteering, and the Commonwealth Games helped me start my volunteering journey, which I am so thankful for."

Q) What other benefits did you get from volunteering at the Games?

"I met two of my best friends (Elizabeth and Samantha) at the Commonwealth Games.

"We regularly meet up and go on adventures together, and volunteer at various events each year.

"I can’t believe we have known each other for ten years, and I don’t know what I would do without them.

"I loved the Games so much and was proud to wear the uniform and help others while on or off shift.

"I was also proud to take part in the 500 Days to Go Flash Mob. We sang 'I Would Walk 500 Miles' at
various locations across the city to help promote 500 days to go until the Games."


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