June 1-7 is Volunteers Week and we are sharing stories of EHSCP colleagues who give up their time for good causes and share stories of those who volunteer within the Partnership.
John Ovens is a care and support practitioner who is gearing up for his fourth stint volunteering at Commonwealth Games.
John said: “I got the volunteering bug for major sporting events about eight years ago now, when I was accepted to be a volunteer are the European Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“The diving competition was held in the Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh and I really enjoyed giving up my time to help ensure the event went smoothly.
“Since then, I have volunteered at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow and now I have been accepted for the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
“I have always been a volunteer in spectator services, making the guest feel safe, being on hand to answer any questions , moonlighting as a photographer or dishing out high fiving with foam fingers.
“I feel the last spectator that leave the venue deserves the same energy as the firstperson to arrive.
“I love volunteering and would urge anyone with even a little spare time to look into where their skills could be utilised and jump into volunteering.”