In 2014, Sarah Quinn was a 21-year-old Event Management student who talked her way into a selfie with Usain Bolt — moments after carrying his gold medal into Hampden Park.
"Everyone around me said 'enjoy the moment, take it all in' and I honestly can't emphasise enough — it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life," she recalls.
That memory, and thousands like it, are why Glasgow's volunteer machine is firing up once more. This July, the city becomes only the third in history to host the Commonwealth Games twice, welcoming over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations for 11 days of competition across 10 sports and six Para sports, from 23 July to 2 August.
The organisers need more than 3,000 volunteers to make it all happen.
The beating heart of the Games
Applications for the main volunteer programme closed late last year, with selected applicants now completing online activities designed to match their skills and availability to the right roles. Role offers are going out this month — meaning thousands of Glaswegians are discovering right now exactly how they will serve the Games.
But for those who missed the first wave, there is still time. Glasgow 2026 is actively recruiting up to 700 volunteer cast members and performers for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies — the first time in Commonwealth Games history that the Opening Ceremony will be held in an arena, the OVO Hydro, on 23 July.
Roles range from welcoming athletes to high-energy dance numbers, scripted performances and symbolic community moments. No previous experience is required, and the minimum age is 16. Casting closes on 24 April, with auditions in Glasgow on 9 and 10 May. Applications are open at glasgow2026.com/casting.
'You get the bug'
For Glaswegians Nicky and Andy Youl, volunteering at the 2014 Games sparked an 11-year adventure that has taken them to Olympic and Commonwealth Games, World and European Championships across the globe.
It started with the couple's work at East Kilbride Gymnastics Club, where they supported their daughters. "We're still involved and still making sure that the club exists for the girls and boys that come after our kids," says Andy. "It has been on the go since 1974."
Their message to anyone considering it? "You'll get so much more out of it than you put in," Andy insists. Nicky agrees: "You don't need skills — you just need enthusiasm, passion and a smile."
'It could be life-changing'
Dr Julie McElroy knows that better than most. Dubbed Glasgow's volunteering "GOAT," McElroy has Cerebral Palsy and left a Special Needs school at age 16. Volunteering — first in hospital radio, then at the 2005 Special Olympics — gave her the confidence to pursue a journalism career, earn a PhD, and in 2024 make history as the first female frame runner to complete the London Marathon.
Now a Non-Executive Director on the Glasgow 2026 Board, she is passionate about making volunteering accessible. "The Games will truly embrace inclusiveness and accessibility," she says. "Glasgow 2026 is keen to make volunteering accessible, so they will meet your requirements."
Her advice is simple: "Use Glasgow 2026 as a stepping stone to do something better in your life. It could be a life-changing moment."
How to get involved
While general volunteer applications have closed, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are still calling for up to 700 cast members. Apply at glasgow2026.com/casting before 24 April. Register for the latest Glasgow 2026 news and ticket information at glasgow2026.com.
The Games run from 23 July to 2 August at four iconic Glasgow venues. As Sarah Quinn puts it: "Glasgow will once again make the Commonwealth movement proud."
