With the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow, plenty of Glaswegians are looking for ways to get involved and give something back – and Simon Murrison is one of them.
By Isla McGraw
Simon has been consistently active for over a decade, but he traces the real starting point back to a specific moment. ‘I guess I’ve been regularly doing sport for probably about 15 years now,’ he says. ‘It kicked off with the five for 50 challenge, which basically encouraged people to exercise 30 minutes a day for 50 consecutive days.’ What began as a short term push gradually turned into his way of life.
‘It’s all about encouraging people to change habits,’ he adds. ‘So, I’ve got a bit of inspiration from that.’ Since then, fitness has remained a steady part of his routine, something he keeps in mind even when other priorities creep in.
Athletes Liaison
As founder and co-director of Ammu Accounting, finding balance is important to him. ‘I always make sure I prioritise fitness,’ he says. ‘Because I find if I step away for a period of time then when I am working I’m much more productive.’ It’s a simple approach, but one he sticks to. ‘If I’ve got stuff to do I’ll come back to it, but I’ll always make sure I’ll step away for a period of time because I think that’s healthy.’
This year, his interest in sport is taking a slightly different shape. Having previously attended events as a spectator, he’s stepping into a behind the scenes role. ‘I felt it would be good to give back and also try and see a bit behind the scenes,’ he says.
Simon will be working as an athlete liaison officer, based at the athletics venue. ‘Which is effectively helping the athletes be where they need to be at the right time,’ he explains. ‘They won’t know the venues, so I’ll make sure they get to the start line or help them find a toilet.’ It’s a role that relies on organisation and timing, something he acknowledges with a bit of humour – ‘So, let’s hope they won’t be late for anything. Don’t blame me,’ he says with a smile.
What he’s most looking forward to is the overall experience. ‘Just being involved in the buzz of it all,’ he says. ‘It should be a really good atmosphere and hopefully I’ll see some real special moments of achievement.’
Giving Back
He also sees the bigger picture when it comes to events like this. ‘I think it just puts the city on the map as a place that should be known for real high class sport,’ he says, while also hoping it has a more local impact. ‘Hopefully it’ll encourage local people as well to get involved with fitness and that it can become part of their lives.’
When it comes to watching events, his preference is clear. ‘Probably the athletics,’ he says. ‘I mostly run. I do a bit of cycling but it’s probably the athletics that I’m mostly interested in.’ He’s particularly interested in seeing how home athletes perform, especially Eilish McColgan.
If Simon had to choose a category for himself to take part in, he already has an answer. ‘I think I’d probably try the 10,000 metres,’ he says. ‘Because I’ve got a reasonable time at that.’
Spending more time around elite sport has also shifted his perspective. ‘I think for me it’s heartening when you see these people up close that you realise they’re just normal people as well – they’ve got some life challenges too.’
At its core, his motivation for getting involved is straightforward. ‘Giving back,’ he says. ‘I’ve had a lot of enjoyment watching sport and I appreciate people have to give up their time to make it happen.’ And if that involvement has a wider effect, all the better. ‘You never know… it might change people’s mindset when it takes place closer to home and they might think “maybe I can get involved too”.’
