- Allwyn UK is helping thousands of volunteers develop new skills and support their communities through its partnership
- Allwyn UK, Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner, has a team of six employees volunteering at the Games
- Volunteer initiative supported by Allwyn’s £1 million Social Value Fund, part of its commitment to operate The National Lottery in an environmentally & socially responsible way.
- Team Scotland athletes have recorded a love-letter poem to the Glasgow 2026 volunteers. Link to download here
More than 4,000 volunteers today are preparing to welcome the world to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games thanks to a learning and development programme supported by Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery.
Known as the "Legends", the volunteers will play a key role in delivering the Games from 23 July to 2 August. Supported through Allwyn UK's £1 million Social Value Fund, which has supported High St initiatives like Local Retail Champions, volunteers have received enhanced training and development opportunities to help them prepare for roles across the event.
The programme demonstrates Allwyn's commitment to supporting communities and creating positive social impact through both investment and active participation.
The volunteer workforce reflects communities across Scotland and beyond. Three-quarters of volunteers are from Scotland, while others have travelled from across the Commonwealth and around the world to be part of the Games.
Volunteers range in age from 16 to 96, highlighting the broad appeal of volunteering and the important role it plays in connecting people across generations. The programme has attracted both experienced event volunteers and those keen to start their volunteer journey. One third of the Legends team, previously volunteered Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and are returning to help create another memorable Games.
In addition to supporting volunteer training, six Allwyn employees are volunteering at the Games, demonstrating the company's belief in the power of volunteering to create positive social impact. The Allwyn volunteers will also document their Games experience, showcasing the contribution volunteers make behind the scenes, as well as the lasting skills, confidence and sense of purpose they gain through volunteering.
“As the operator of The National Lottery, we care deeply about volunteering,” said Alastair Ruxton, Chief Impact Officer at Allwyn UK. “National Lottery players raise around £33 million every week for good causes across the UK, supporting communities, charities and grassroots projects. Volunteering is often at the heart of those organisations.
“Our retail partners see every day the difference National Lottery funding makes in their local communities. This programme is another example of how that commitment can help bring people together, create opportunities and leave a lasting legacy.
“We're proud to support Glasgow 2026 through our Social Value Fund, helping volunteers develop the skills and confidence they need to make the most of this opportunity. We're also delighted that members of our own team are volunteering at the Games, contributing their time and expertise while creating memories that will last a lifetime."
Allwyn’s Social Fund has already galvanised volunteering and sporting and cultural events across the UK:
- The Fund powered the 1,500-strong volunteer team at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, where two-thirds of volunteers were women and 41 per cent volunteered at a major event for the first time.
- The Fund is enabling Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture volunteers to access ongoing training and development in 2026, beyond the year-long cultural programme.
"I'm passionate about volunteering myself because I know how rewarding it can be,” said Eilidh Doyle, volunteer ambassador for Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery. “Through Allwyn's support for the learning and development programme, we're helping ensure every volunteer feels ready to play their part in delivering a brilliant Games."
In honour of the Glasgow volunteers, Team Scotland athletes have recorded a special poem called “Here’s tae the Legends”. They celebrate the role volunteers have in preparing the Games, bringing them to life, and keeping everything organised. Poignantly, they recognise that volunteers have been important throughout their development as athletes and for their unique role in supporting athletes throughout the Games. The poem was written by the team at Allwyn UK.