The heartbeat of the Games: why volunteers make Scotland shine on the world stage

As Glasgow prepares to welcome the world once again with the Commonwealth Games, there is a familiar sense of anticipation building across the city. Athletes will bring the competition and crowds will bring the noise. But, from my experience, it’s the volunteers who truly bring a Games to life.

Having competed on some of the biggest stages in global sport, I’ve seen first-hand how essential volunteers are. They are the brilliantly efficient army working behind the scenes, ensuring events run on time, supporting athletes when it matters most, and creating the atmosphere that makes a Games unforgettable. Quite simply, without them, events like the Commonwealth Games wouldn’t happen.

What makes volunteering so powerful is not just what it delivers during the event itself, but the lasting impact it has afterwards. At Glasgow 2014, the warmth, professionalism and passion of the volunteers helped define Scotland’s reputation as a world-class host. Visitors didn’t just leave impressed by the sport, they left talking about the people. That human connection is what endures long after medals are awarded.

Now, as we look ahead to Glasgow 2026, over 5,000 people have once again stepped forward to play their part. Each volunteer brings their own story, their own motivation, and their own desire to contribute to something bigger than themselves. And in doing so, they become ambassadors not just for the Games, but for Scotland as a whole.

That’s why it’s so encouraging to see organisations like Allwyn putting volunteers at the very centre of their efforts. As the official Learning and Development Partner of Glasgow 2026, Allwyn is investing in the people who will shape the Games experience. Through its Social Value Fund, it is ensuring that every volunteer is equipped with the training, skills and confidence they need to succeed. 

This kind of investment matters. Volunteering isn’t just about giving time – it’s about gaining skills, building confidence, and creating opportunities that last well beyond the closing ceremony. For many, a Games is just the beginning of a lifelong journey in volunteering. We saw it after 2014, and I’ve no doubt we’ll see it again in 2026.

For me personally, volunteering has also been an important part of my journey. Supporting young people through schools and Scottish Athletics has shown me just how rewarding it is to give something back. It reinforces what sport is really about – community, connection, and shared purpose.

Volunteers are often described as the “heartbeat” of major sporting events, and it’s a description that couldn’t be more fitting. They bring energy, passion and pride to everything they do. They create moments that athletes like me remember forever – moments that go far beyond results and medals.

As Glasgow gets ready to take centre stage once again, it’s those volunteers who will define the experience for so many people. They will shape the stories we tell, the memories we keep, and the legacy we leave behind.

And for that, they deserve to be celebrated every bit as much as the athletes they support.

This article is sponsored by Allwyn. 

www.allwyn.co.uk