Thousands of excited clyde-siders, Glasgow 2014 staff and the wider workforce joined forces for the first time as they prepared to become the friendly faces of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

A record breaking 50,811 people applied for up to 15,000 coveted clyde-sider roles with Glasgow 2014. Today, Friday 7 March, the successful applicants took their place in history, standing alongside the full workforce, at one of Scotland’s biggest ever mass orientation events.

The entire workforce has come together from across Scotland and the UK. The workforce will have Games Time roles as diverse as spectator services, press operations, anti-doping, protocol and transport but collectively will be the smiling face of the Games.

They packed into the Emirates Arena to see sports displays, performers and presenters bring the Games to life as they took the next
step in their journey towards Glasgow 2014 – and also saw the Games Time uniform unveiled for the first time.

During the next two days, up to 18,000 people will attend four separate events hosted by television sports favourite Hazel Irvine and popular radio presenter Des Clarke. One of the most anticipated Games moments is the reveal of the uniform which was dramatically unveiled at the first session.

The events give workforce a real insight into the history of the Games, functions of the Organising Committee, the Queen’s Baton Relay and an idea of what they can expect at Games Time.

Renowned outdoor clothing manufacturer Trespass, the Official Provider of Casual Uniforms for the Games, created the uniform which for Games workforce consists of red polo shirt, grey trousers, red and white soft shell jacket, red cagoule and grey hat. Workforce will also be given matching bags, umbrellas and a water bottle supplied by A.G.Barr an Official Supporter of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The company has also created the casual uniform for the Technical Officials which reflects the style and garments in the Games workforce uniform but in blue and green rather than red which is more suitable for the Field of Play.

Star of the show was Clyde the Official Glasgow 2014 Mascot who was also given his own bespoke uniform to match that of the workforce.

Some lucky staff and clyde-siders turned models for the day as they were plucked from their seats and given a Games Time make-over before they strutted their stuff wearing the new uniform for the first time.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, KT, Chairman of Glasgow 2014, said:
“It was a proud and emotional moment for me to stand in front of the thousands of people who will make these Games a reality. From 2007, when the bid was accepted but the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games a far-off prospect, to being there today to see the amazing army of people who will make the Games great was a very special milestone in what has been a tremendous journey.

“I think the uniform is terrific – I am delighted that Clyde has his! – and I look forward to seeing the workforce wear it with pride in our venues across Glasgow and Scotland.”

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman, Michael Cavanagh, said:
“Seeing the Glasgow 2014 clyde-siders’ uniform for the first time is another terrific step towards Scotland’s biggest-ever sporting moment on the global stage becoming a reality.

“Those who wear it will be the friendly faces of the Games and offering a warm welcome to Glasgow and Scotland for the athletes of the Commonwealth and hundreds and thousands of fans who come here to enjoy one of the world’s great sporting occasions.”

Felicity Bryant, a Glasgow 2014 frontrunner, said:
“It was brilliant fun. Not only did I get to see the uniform for the first time I actually got to try it on and be part of the show. It was a fantastic experience and just seeing how many people were here today made me realise that it is all becoming real now. I can’t wait for Games Time and will be proud to be wearing my uniform and be associated with the Games.”