Ewan Sharp is one of the 4,500 volunteers making everything happen at a key event in the sporting calendar this summer.
Glasgow 2018 is taking place from 2-12 August and combines the European Championships across seven different sports for the first time ever.
A senior physiotherapist at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank, Mr Sharp is volunteering in spectator services.
‘I’m at the Hydro arena for the gymnastics undertaking a number of roles,’ he told Frontline.
‘I’ve been outside, greeting people coming in. We’re expecting bigger crowds this week with the men’s competitions.’
‘I may also be at the information point, a central hub to deal with lost property, lost people and provide spectators with information on the championships and venues.
‘I may also be part of the access team who are dedicated to those who require extra assistance to enter and exit the venue.
Essential skills of a physio
‘I feel that the communication and teamworking skills I utilise every day as a physiotherapist are essential in carrying out these roles.’
While there’s plenty of hands like those of Mr Sharp’s to make things happen with the crowds, physiotherapists also play a key role with the 3,000 athletes.
With the British swimmers there are five physios covering the pool, diving and open water events.
The British cycling team has one physio along with a physio seconded to a ‘carer’ role, whose duties include making protein shakes.
The English Institute of Sport supply physios to the British rowing - and other - teams. One physio looked after both the men’s and the women’s rowing squads, who finished competing on 5 August.
The world rowing championships take place in Bulgaria in September and there will be physiotherapy support at training camps in Austria and southern France beginning this week.
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