Lorraine Kelly Volunteers at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
Television presenter joins over 4,000 'legends' during her break from broadcasting.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Lorraine Kelly has volunteered at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, engaging directly with the major community event.
Kelly's duties at the Commonwealth Games were clear: she welcomed the workforce and met Team Scotland netball players before their training session, then joined the spectator services team, greeting the public and assisting fans in navigating the venue.
This hands-on engagement highlighted the critical role of the over 4,000 individuals who contribute their time, a volunteer effort forming the bedrock of the Commonwealth Games' operational success.
Allwyn UK, the official volunteer learning and development partner for the games, provides crucial training.
Kelly praised the extensive preparation, stating, "Spending the morning with the Glasgow 2026 workforce, Team Scotland athletes and spectator services volunteer team showed me just how much goes into making the Commonwealth Games run so smoothly and how ready and switched-on every single volunteer is."
That doesn’t happen by accident – it’s down to the training Allwyn UK has put behind these legends, and I take my hat off to every one of them.
She further acknowledged the training, adding, "That doesn’t happen by accident – it’s down to the training Allwyn UK has put behind these legends, and I take my hat off to every one of them."
Alastair Ruxton, representing Allwyn UK, highlighted the broader impact of volunteer contributions, confirming, "Lorraine’s visit perfectly captured what makes volunteering at Glasgow 2026 so special."
He emphasized the dedication involved, noting, "Behind every warm welcome, helpful conversation and memorable games moment is a volunteer who has invested their time, energy and enthusiasm to be part of something bigger."
This dedication is not new; Glasgow has a rich history of hosting major international events, from the 2014 Commonwealth Games to the 2021 COP26 climate summit, each relying heavily on robust volunteer programs and community engagement.
The city's capacity to mobilize and train thousands of volunteers for events like the 2026 Games reflects a deep-seated civic infrastructure and a public eager to participate.
Allwyn UK supports this through its social value fund, which aids in the training and development of volunteers, helping them gain confidence, acquire new skills, and create lasting memories.
This investment addresses a key stakeholder concern: ensuring volunteers receive tangible benefits beyond the immediate event, fostering long-term skill development and community engagement.
Ruxton also confirmed that six of Allwyn UK's own colleagues are volunteering at the games, standing alongside the other 'legends,' demonstrating internal commitment to the volunteer ethos.
The economic pressure on host cities to deliver flawless events while managing costs often shifts more responsibility onto volunteer forces, making their training and retention paramount.
Glasgow knows how to put on a show, and this year’s volunteers are going to make sure the world sees it.
Kelly concluded her remarks by affirming Glasgow's capability to host the event, stating, "Glasgow knows how to put on a show, and this year’s volunteers are going to make sure the world sees it."
Her participation underscores the significant role volunteers play in the operational success and public experience of large-scale international events like the Commonwealth Games.
The future landscape of major sporting events increasingly demands sustainable and community-driven models, where volunteer programs are not just operational necessities but integral components of a city's legacy and social impact.
This model, exemplified by Glasgow 2026, ensures that the spirit of the games extends beyond athletic competition, fostering a sense of collective ownership and pride among its citizens.