Michael's story

“I’d always been active and involved in sport. After my accident 40 years ago, sport was my uplift
because I wouldn’t say no. I’d get involved in anything — including archery and shot put and represented the British team.

"As for volunteering? Right place at the wrong time! I was in Scotstoun and someone asked if I could show the kids how to use the wheelchairs and that was me hooked. Their reaction to someone they could
identify with and the difference I felt I could make gave me the motivation to do more.”

"It has to be the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which was a fantastic experience. I couldn’t believe I was involved in those Games, in my own city — doing what I was doing and meeting athletes. It was a great event to be part of.

"I still bump into other volunteers in shopping centres and out and about. It really encouraged me to take part in more events… when it didn’t clash with my basketball. I really enjoyed that.

"I’ve since volunteered at events like the 2018 European Championships and the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup tennis events in 2022. I also recently volunteered at the 4 Nations ParaBadminton Championships."

"I like being involved, helping people and just doing my bit to encourage more people to get and stay
involved. A lot of kids I’ve met are now excelling within their sport, maybe playing somewhere else or even coaching. It’s satisfying to see the difference I, and the rest of the team, have made."