The moment we found out

The moment we found out

I really don't know what to say, I’m ecstatic that I have been chosen to be a cast member for the Handover Ceremony and I am extremely pleased that I’ve been given the opportunity to tell people about it.

I actively encourage people to volunteer as it is a great way to gain experience and meet lots of new people. Today I met people from Glasgow 2014 and 2 film crews and it was an absolute pleasure.

Being a volunteer for what used to be Culture and Sport Glasgow (now Glasgow life), gives me access to lots of events that are going on around Glasgow and the opportunity to work as a volunteer at these events, the Delhi Handover Ceremony was no different. I received an e mail from David Bickley of Glasgow life telling me that the Delhi Team where looking for volunteers to travel to India and take part in the Handover Ceremony as part of the closing ceremony. I emailed him back to say it sounded like a great opportunity and would definitely consider it.

I later received an application pack from Cristina Armstrong which was, to my surprise really easy to fill out.

After that it was just a waiting game. Before I knew it I was invited to Orientation where I met all the people who would be putting together the routine, from the choreographer to costume designers, to the team doctor and all the other support workers involved. It was then that it became a reality - it was scary, nerve wracking and exciting. Organising paper work, learning choreography and costume measurements were just a few of the things involved in the day Orientation.

A week later I received an email to say that I was part of the cast, however it still didn't seem real that I, Gina Beck of Drumchapel , would be going to Delhi to represent Scotland at such a prestigious event. Shocked, ecstatic, scared, excited and worried are a few of the feelings I had at the time. I was, however, very, very pleased to be given such a great opportunity.

Having to give up so much time for Bootcamp and Delhi took a lot of consideration, but with the support of my family, friends, all the kids that I work with, their parents and my work colleagues, I decided that I couldn't give up this once in a life time opportunity. I know it will be hard work both physically and mentally, but I am up for the challenge. I'm looking forward to working with Nathan and all the other cast members. I know I will form lots of new friendships and I will be depending on all those new friends to help me through the whole Bootcamp experience, as I will them.

Every one asks me why volunteer for something that will incur a loss of earnings, spend less time with my family and less time coaching the gymnasts at Drumchapel sport Centre? I tell them, it’s not always about the money. Sometimes it's nice to do something that will endeavour to enrich the lives of many people, especially the young people of today.  My family are as important to me, as I am to them, and they fully encourage me to take part in this experience because they know how passionate I am about the kids I teach and everything that I get involved in.

The kids at Drumchapel Sport Centre are fantastic and all think that this is an amazing opportunity and have been very unselfish in encouraging my decision to go to Delhi (even though it means that there will be less training time for them). One day I hope that they find themselves with the same opportunities that I have been given. I will fully support them and encourage them to volunteer, whether it be on a small scale or a massive scale such as Delhi. I always tell them:  with some guts, determination and a good support network, anything is possible. 

The greatest reward of all is knowing that I have been chosen to represent Scotland, my community, my family and friends and the city of Glasgow. I will endeavour to do this to the best of my ability.