Glasgow 2014 has begun its volunteer interviews as it searches to find the 15,000 friendliest faces for the Commonwealth Games.

After receiving 50,811 online applications, about 25,000 people have been selected for interviews at the Volunteer Centre in Glasgow.

Invitations to attend an interview will be sent in phases so it could still be a number of months before the 15,000 successful applicants are given the chance to help deliver the Commonwealth Games next summer.

The 15,000 individuals chosen will receive full training in the lead-up to Glasgow 2014 across a range of general and specialist roles.

"I am absolutely delighted with the public response to our recruitment drive for volunteers and after more than 50,000 applications it was a tough process halving that number to select people for interview," said the Glasgow 2014 head of Games workforce Valerie Mitchell.

"We want the interview process to be as enjoyable as possible for people and have a number of special surprises for applicants on their interview day.

"The interviews are an informal opportunity for people to talk about themselves and why they want to be a part of the Games.

"Not everyone who is interviewed between now and December 2013 will be successful, but we will be stressing that there will be other opportunities to be involved in the Games in future.

"It is important to remember that those conducting the interviews are themselves volunteers and we are grateful to them for helping us find up to 15,000 friendly people who can proudly represent Glasgow and Scotland at Games time."

From now until December 2013, one thousand people per week will be interview by Glasgow 2014.

About 300 people have already been selected as volunteer front-runners who will conduct up to 150 interviews a day between them.

Sarah Cooper, a 22-year-old from Ayrshire, was among the first to be interviewed.

"I'm training to be a teacher and I think the impact it's going to have on the next generation is great, hopefully it will inspire them for the future," she said.

"The kids who don't really feel there's anything for them will hopefully get the same buzz from Glasgow 2014 as came from the London 2012 Olympics.

"I was keen to volunteer because I just wanted the experience, I'd seen the Olympics and you just want to get involved and be part of it.

"The buzz and the atmosphere will be fantastic next summer."

Glasgow 2014 is due to take place between July 23 and August 3, with 4,500 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories set to compete.

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