JULIE McElroy has been on a para-sports journey for the past two years.

And the 28-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and is profoundly deaf, says being a Clydesider was one of the toughest - but most enjoyable - tasks yet.

Through her Evening Times column, Julie, from Jordanhill, has explored dozens of para-sports activities and tackled issues.

"There's no doubt that being a Clydesider has been challenging but there have been lots of rewards," she said. "I met so many different people through my para-sports journey for the Evening Times and then I came back into contact with these people during the Games.

"Having that has made it that be easier for me and to have incredible camaraderie with the team. It's definitely been a bit of a reunion."

Julie was volunteering at the lawn bowls at Kelvingrove where she helped distribute the results. She had to report for duty at 7.45am and sometimes stayed until 5pm.

The early mornings were made easier by the company at the venue, which included her fellow volunteer Fiona Reay.

Julie said: "Fiona and I just had a laugh. We would get up to mischief.

"She said she was going to miss me and I said: 'I need a break from all this laughing, I haven't stopped laughing since I got up this morning.'"

Another of Julie's highlights is seeing the "phenomenal" coverage of para-sports during the Games.

She said: "I think the Games have really shown that para-sports can be inclusive.

"The coverage has been phenomenal - we've seen people like David Weir, who's just been incredible."

Now she says she's excited for the future.

"I'm emotionally shattered but the Games have refreshed me and made me determined to do even more."