Virgin Media, the UK’s leading communications and entertainment company, has kick started its sponsorship of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by finding out what Glaswegians love about their city. Also joining in the fun was 20 year old Laura Muir, a 1500m runner who is aiming to be part of Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014 and Commonwealth Game Chairman, Michael Cavanagh.

100 Virgin Media staff from the company’s Bellshill office took to the streets of Glasgow today to ask residents for their top tips, from restaurants and cafes to the best architecture, the hidden gems and where to find the best views of the city.

Jeff Dodds, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Media, said: “We can’t wait for the Games to begin next year and wanted to create a taster of the atmosphere and fun that the Games can bring. We thought that no one could shed light on the best bits of Glasgow better than Glaswegians themselves, so we brought 100 members of staff to town from our Bellshill offices to uncover and capture everything that’s great about the city.”

Laura, who had chance to meet and talk to Virgin Media staff as well as Clyde, the Games mascot said: “It is great to see everyone from Virgin Media getting involved and excited about the Games coming to Glasgow. Like all the athletes hoping to be on the team, I am really focused on competing well over the next few months and securing my place. As student at Glasgow University I know what an exciting city this is and what a great job it will do in hosting the Games and creating a carnival atmosphere.”

David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, added: “There has been a real sense of fun at this event today and Virgin Media has really tapped in to the psyche of Glasgow and Glaswegians and what will make these Games a distinct festival of world-class sport and amazing cultures. It has been a celebration of what is great about the city and is a great indication of what kind of reception visitors can expect.”

Virgin Media employs around 800 staff in its Bellshill Centre, just east of Glasgow, making it one of the largest employers in the area and a major site for Virgin Media Business, which provides cutting-edge telecommunications services for local businesses and public sector organisations.