With the Commonwealth Games been and gone Suzanne Glavin tells us about her volunteering experiences in Australia.

 

After recording an online interview, Suzanne was selected for a place on the Press Operations Team. Here she helped look after the photographers at the triathlon and various cycling events at the Commonwealth Games this year.

She said:

“I feel like the luckiest Games Shaper! I managed to go to three amazing outdoor venues with some super sport. This included Southport Broadwater Parklands, where I worked on triathlon events. It was a super to see – from the photographers’ position at the finish – Jess Learmonth, one of our Leeds Triathlon Centre athletes, medal.”

 

Jess was England’s first medallist of the Games consequently bagging a silver. Unfortunately, the Brownlee brothers – Jonny and Alistair – failed to medal in the men’s tri event, finishing seventh and 10th respectively. Fellow Leeds Alumni, Tom Bishop, came home in 19th while second year Sport Science and Physiology student, Tyler Smith, competing as the flag-bearer for Bermuda, was 21st.

But, the action didn’t end there for Suzanne. She also had the opportunity to work with the photographers for the para triathlon and mixed relays. Here she saw the Brownlee brothers win a silver medal as well as Tyler Smith competing in the mixed relay.

Suzanne then headed to Currumbin…

“… a beautiful, idyllic part of coastline with an amazing nature sanctuary set just behind. Here, I was supporting the Race Walk. It’s was a 5am start! I also went to help out with cycle time-trial and then again for all the cycle road races. To finish my most incredible journey I headed back to the Southport Broadwater Parklands to volunteer on the marathon!”

Suzanne’s adventures across Australia really proved the benefits of volunteering in sport. Not only can you travel world but you can also make a difference. Through contributing, collaborating and working as a team the experience of volunteering is priceless and well worth the hard work.

Suzanne finished by telling us about the impact of the games and her experience:

“It’s relaxed, fun, friendly and exciting, with lots of people carrying their country’s flag with them. The locals, in particular, were so proud of their athletes and their homeland. The world coming to visit  genuinely pleased the residents. The Commonwealth Games are known as the friendly games and this one was no exception.”