Challenge Accepted: Volunteering at the Commonwealth Games

13 Aug 2026

“Being able to help athletes feel welcome and supported was a real privilege."

Siân, a Communications Manager here at the university, recently used all three of her volunteering days to support the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, joining more than 3,000 volunteers who helped make the event happen.

Having volunteered at the Games before in 2014, she knew how special the atmosphere was. This time, Siân was based at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome as part of the Athletes’ Services team. Her role was to help cyclists prepare for competition and navigate everything that happened before and after racing.

That meant practical things — making sure teams had ice, drinks and towels — as well as supporting coaches when riders became ill and guiding athletes through the media zone. With 155 riders from 23 countries, the needs varied hugely. Some teams arrived with full support crews; others had just one rider. A few had never ridden in a velodrome before arriving in Glasgow.

Having an impact

For Siân, the highlight was

"getting to watch and interact with athletes and supporters from so many different countries, some of whom had had very challenging circumstances to overcome to get to the competition. Also just being part of such a big event with thousands of other volunteers and spectators who were excited about the occasion and eager to welcome the world to Glasgow”.

Inspired?

• Volunteering Policy: all colleagues are entitled to three paid leave days (pro rata) each year, to dedicate their time and skills to a local cause of their choosing.
• Challenge Accepted: our fundraising and volunteering campaign is one of the first bold steps in delivering our Manchester 2035 strategy; committing to becoming a great philanthropic university by connecting people to the causes that matter most.