University of Stirling staff and students helping to deliver Glasgow 2026

A dedicated group of at least 30 students and staff will take on roles at the Games

Four people in front of loch holding banner
Among the Commonwealth Games volunteers and workers are (left to right): Edwin Osei Amaoh, Emma Law, Professor Stuart Galloway, Jane Addies.

Proving that the Commonwealth Games really is powered by the people, the University of Stirling is lending many helping hands at Glasgow 2026 this summer.

A dedicated group of at least 30 students and staff will take on roles at the Games, helping to ensure the major international sporting event runs like clockwork.

They join 22 athletes and two coaches from Stirling – Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence – which has been appointed Team Scotland’s Official University Partner for the Games.

Students and staff members will dedicate their time doing everything from greeting spectators to operating cameras, as part of an army of 3,000 volunteers across the 11-day event. Some students have secured placements through their University of Stirling degree programmes, while others have come with their own motivations for being part of the Friendly Games.

Lifetime commitment

For Professor Stuart Galloway, volunteering at the Commonwealth Games has become a lifetime commitment. Stuart, a Professor of Sport at the University, first lent a hand at the 1986 Games in Edinburgh after leaving school, and remembers seeing Daley Thompson winning the decathlon.

Stuart, who will be part of the Athlete Services Team, using his sports knowledge to support athletes at Scotstoun Stadium, said: “Being part of the Games by volunteering is a great way to support the event and also see some of the competition.”

group of people holding banner The University of Stirling is sending at least 30 students and staff members to volunteer and work at Glasgow 2026.

One of the first faces visitors will see at the Games will be Stirling student Jane Addies, whose volunteering role in the Spectator Services Team involves greeting, directing, and assisting spectators. Jane is in her first year studying a BSc Sport and Exercise Science.

The Ayrshire native, a keen sports participant and spectator, said: “Taking part in a public event is outside of my comfort zone, but that’s exactly why I wanted to get involved. I knew it would challenge me and help me build confidence. I’m hoping to develop my interpersonal skills, as well as learn how large sporting events are managed.”

Edwin Osei Amaoh, who graduated from the University in June with a BA Film and Media, will be employed as a camera operator with Progress Productions at the gymnastics events.

He explained: “The footage will be used on the venue screens so that audience members can clearly follow the action and presentations taking place. My responsibility is to capture high-quality footage and help ensure the live event experience is engaging for spectators.”

Edwin, who lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh, will use the camera operating, lighting and production planning skills he learned during his degree course and apply them to his role at the Games. He hopes the hands-on industry experience will help him in his job search as a new graduate.

Fast-paced environment

Emma Law is a BA Sports Business Management student at the University, with designs on a career in Formula One. She will be helping manage and distribute accreditation passes, allowing people to access the venues.

“I’ll be working in a fast-paced environment and meeting new experienced people who I can learn from,” she said.

Emma Christie graduated from Stirling last month with a BA Journalism Studies and is now a photographer based in Alloa. She has secured a volunteer position with Team Scotland as a digital media administrator, keeping photos, videos and the Team Scotland website up to date, as well as handling media enquiries.

She said: “My journalism degree taught me how to handle professional emails as well as how to organise and manage mass amounts of content. It’s given me practical skills in communication and storytelling, both of which transfer nicely to this role.”

Also among those working at the Games are Chris Purdie, Team Scotland’s Deputy Chef de Mission, who is a former staff member, student and Sports Union President at the University; as well as former student-swimmer Cameron Brodie and coaching lecturer Derek O’Riordan, who are both mentors on Team Scotland’s Achieve 2026 programme, which gives athletes and coaches an insight into life at a major multi-sport Games.

The Legends

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive at Glasgow 2026, said: “With the Games just around the corner, our volunteers and staff are ready to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators to Glasgow.

“Glasgow is one of the friendliest cities in the world and at Glasgow 2026 that spirit will shine through our volunteers: The Legends. They’ll shape first impressions, lasting memories and help define the Games experience for everyone who visits.

“Scotland is renowned for its vibrant and talented education communities, and through our Campus to Commonwealth programme it’s been inspiring to see so many students and education professionals from across the country play a part in bringing these Games to life.”

Glasgow will welcome 3,000 athletes from across the Commonwealth, as well as tens of thousands of spectators for the Games, which begin on Thursday [23 July]. Twenty-two athletes from the University – a record number for Stirling – will compete at the Games across swimming, artistic gymnastics and 3x3 wheelchair basketball.