Sunday marked the closing of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and, with it, my final shift as one of the Games volunteers – proudly known as a Legend.
It feels like such a long time since I first completed the application form, hoping I might be selected. I remember checking my emails, eagerly waiting for a response, and the excitement when I was finally offered a role. What followed were months of accreditation paperwork, security checks and online training modules.
Then in April came our first introductory event at Glasgow’s Armadillo.
What struck me immediately was the sheer number of people. The queue seemed endless, snaking around the building as hundreds of strangers waited patiently to get inside. Before long those strangers were chatting, laughing and getting to know one another. There was already a sense that we were becoming part of something much bigger than ourselves.
We were told that ‘Legend’ is one of the highest compliments you can receive in Glasgow. It’s what you call someone who shows up, helps out or does the right thing and never makes a fuss about it.
Being a legend is about the everyday moments of kindness, humility and friendliness. It’s holding the door open, making a good cup of tea, or offering a smile when it’s needed most. The simple things, done well.
It all became even more real when I collected my uniform and accreditation pass. I wasn’t just attending the Games—I was part of them.
After more online learning came venue-specific training and finally role training. I had been allocated to Team 4, working across the bowls and boxing events at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), alongside our Producer, Anastasia, and our Coordinator, Douglas.
I had been assigned to the Medal Ceremonies Team, although at that stage I had little idea what that actually involved.
It didn’t take long to find out.
Our rehearsals were intense.
Anastasia demanded nothing less than Olympic-level precision, and every tiny detail mattered.
We rotated through every role—medal tray bearers, athlete escorts, presenter escorts and even pretending to be medal winners and VIPs. We rehearsed repeatedly on the actual podiums until every movement became second nature.
We soon found ourselves repeating the instructions in our heads…
Keep the trays level.
Make sure the tray is the right way round.
Thumbs only on the edge.
Never cover the wording on the tray.
Never touch the athletes or VIPs.
Never walk in front of the athletes and spoil the media shot.
Never turn your back to the cameras.
Hands behind your back while standing.
Nothing in your pockets.
Pockets zipped.
Two shirt buttons fastened.
Shirts tucked in.
No jewellery.
No accreditation visible.
By the end, I think we were all practising the ceremonies in our sleep!
Training wasn’t all action. There was plenty of waiting while television cameras were positioned, lighting adjusted, sets completed and production teams prepared for rehearsals.
But those quieter moments turned out to be just as valuable.
They gave us time to get to know one another, swap stories, share plenty of laughs and build friendships. We also had the privilege of watching so many other teams rehearsing—from dancers and commentators to interviewers, pyrotechnics crews and the countless technical staff who make a production of this scale run so seamlessly.
It was fascinating to glimpse the incredible machinery behind a major international sporting event.
I also gained a new appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers carrying out so many different roles. Some directed spectators around venues, others escorted athletes, teams and equipment, collected balls during competition, cleaned courts between matches and supported countless behind-the-scenes operations. Every role mattered, and every volunteer helped make the Games a success.
One team that particularly stood out was the MOD flag party.
Watching them rehearse and then perform in full dress uniform during the medal ceremonies was incredibly impressive.
After a couple of full dress rehearsals with cameras rolling, the countdown was over.
We were live and up close to those precious medals.
What an experience that was behind the scenes.
During the Games I had the honour of serving as the silver medal tray bearer for the bowls and para bowls medal ceremonies.
It was an incredible privilege to stand just a few feet away as athletes experienced the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice and hard work.
One ceremony will stay with me forever.
Scotland won gold in the para bowls.
As the Saltire rose and Flower of Scotland filled the arena, the crowd stood singing at the top of their voices. The atmosphere was electric, emotional and deeply moving. Even though I was concentrating on every step of the ceremony, it was impossible not to feel proud to witness such a special moment.
And then, almost as quickly as it had begun, it was over.
Months of anticipation.
Weeks of training.
Days of unforgettable competition.
Gone in what felt like a heartbeat.
Being a Glasgow 2026 Legend gave me a unique glimpse behind the scenes of one of the biggest sporting events Scotland has hosted. It wasn’t just about volunteering—it was about becoming part of an extraordinary team, sharing in unforgettable moments and helping create memories that athletes, spectators and volunteers alike will carry with them for years to come.
I feel incredibly grateful to have played a small part in something so special and to have shared this experience with my new friends.
Once a Legend… always a Legend.
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