The final figure of 50,811 from the six-week registration, which came to an end at 11.59pm last night, topped those of both Melbourne 2006 and Manchester 2002, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding Scotland's largest sporting and cultural event, organisers claim.

"We are absolutely delighted with the numbers and want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"We have received a record number of applicants and all those who have applied are already helping Glasgow 2014 make history.

"Scots are famed for being generous with their time and have a real heritage of volunteering and it's fantastic to see them along with people from across the United Kingdom and internationally come forward in such numbers to support their Games."

Glasgow 2014 is the first major sporting event to open its appeal to youngsters aged 16 years old and over, which has been well-received with 18 per cent of all applicants aged 16, and 40 per cent aged 25 and under.

"We are thrilled with the level of interest and to have such a great mix of people apply to be part of the Games," said Valerie Mitchell, head of Games workforce at Glasgow 2014. 

"We are also really over the moon at the response from young people.

"This is the first time that those from the age of 16 have been able to apply for the majority of volunteer roles at a global sporting event of this scale, so it has been fantastic to see such a positive response from this age group.

"Their contribution in creating a tone and feel for the Games will be really important."



Applications from those eager to participate in the 11-day competition are mostly from women, representing a huge 61 per cent, with just 39 per cent of entrants being male.

The exceptional number of forms has now left organisers with the unenviable task of reviewing all entries before taking candidates through to the interview stages to find their final 15,000-strong workforce.

Due to the unprecedented number of interested parties, organisers have said people will be invited for interviews any time during April and December of this year.

"With these large numbers there will obviously be people who are not successful but there will be plenty more ways for them to get involved in the Games by getting their families along to venues, supporting the cultural programme and Queen's Baton Relay," explained Mitchell.

"Post-Games we will also share our volunteer information with Volunteer Scotland as we want to ensure that people who are interested in volunteering have access to other opportunities."

The Glasgow 2014 volunteering process was backed with a £500,000 ($806,000/€602,650) funding programme by the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and the Scottish Government.

Recognising that not everyone can afford to volunteer for Glasgow 2014, the Legacy 2014 Volunteer Support Programme will offer financial assistance to those people facing practical and financial barriers which might otherwise stop them from taking part to ensure their volunteer aspirations can become a reality.

No previous Games experience was required, with candidates just needing to be helpful and friendly, eligible to work in the United Kingdom, and available for at least eight days during the Games, which take place between July 23 and August 3.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games will see 71 athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations competing for the 261 medals on offer.

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