With a distinguished sporting history, the Commonwealth Games have gone from strength to strength.
The first games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada where 11 countries sent 400 athletes to take part in six sports and 59 events.
Since then, the Games have been held every four years (except for 1942 and 1946 because of the Second World War) and the event has seen many changes, not least in its name. From 1930 to 1950 the Games were known as the British Empire Games, from 1954 until 1966 the British Empire and Commonwealth Games and from 1970 to 1974 they took on the title of British Commonwealth Games. It was the 1978 Games in Edmonton that saw this multi-sports event change its name to the Commonwealth Games.
Scotland hosted the Games in 1970 and 1986. The 2002 Games in Manchester saw for the first time full medal events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD) in a fully-inclusive sports programme. This will be continued at Glasgow in 2014.
In 2000, the Commonwealth Games Federation created the Commonwealth Youth Games, open to athletes from 14 to 18 years of age. The inaugural Games were in Edinburgh. The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games will be held on the Isle of Man.
The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) is one of the greatest traditions of the Commonwealth Games.
It was introduced at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales in 1958. From here it has developed into a symbol of unity and diversity, binding all the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth with the solitary message of peace and harmony through sports.
Glasgow 2014 Ltd is the official name for the Organising Committee – the company set up to deliver the XX Commonwealth Games.
Everyone in the Organising Committee is incredibly proud of our role in delivering the Games. We believe this is a tremendous coup for both the City of Glasgow and Scotland.
Along with our key partners, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland, we are committed to delivering an outstanding athlete centered and sport focused Commonwealth Games, which will be held up as an exemplar for future Organising Committees.
The sports contested in each Commonwealth Games are selected in accordance with specific requirements of the Commonwealth Games Federation from a list of core and optional sports. The programme is then proposed throughout the bid process and identifies the specific sports to be offered as a part of each Games.
For a sport to be added to the Commonwealth Games Federation list of sports, the responsible International Federation must submit a request along with background information for it to be considered. Unfortunately, even if this process took place in the next couple of years, certain sports could not be included in Glasgow's programme as we continue to plan venues and the competition for each of the sports that have already been approved.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games.
As a means of improving society and the general wellbeing of the people of the Commonwealth, the CGF also encourages and assists education via sport development and physical recreation.
Underlying every decision made by the CGF are three values – humanity, equality, destiny. These values help to inspire and unite millions of people and symbolise the broad mandate of the CGF within the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Games are international, multi-sport events – held every four years for athletes from Commonwealth nations.
The Games are overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also controls the sporting programme and selects the host cities.
Our volunteers will be the public face of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
We are looking for friendly, outgoing and good-humoured people to project a positive image of Glasgow and the Games.
You’ll bring your own unique skills, but you’ll also need some important qualities too.
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then we’re looking for you!
A large part of organising the Games is ensuring safe and effective transport for athletes, volunteers and spectators during the Games. The venues have been “clustered” to aid this.
The Organising Committee is already working on plans to ensure that a comprehensive transport infrastructure is in place for Glasgow 2014. A full plan will be announced in due course.
For the duration of the Games, the whole city will be focused on ensuring that public transport is available and running smoothly.
One of the pledges made by Glasgow 2014 is that anyone buying a ticket for the Games will have funded public transport access within Glasgow and to the venue on the day they have their ticket.
All of our procurement opportunities are advertised on the Commonwealth Games Business Portal, as well as details of how to register.
The majority of our roles are based in Glasgow city centre, within an easy walk from the subway network and main train stations.
Glasgow 2014 has a recruitment partner in place. All agency enquiries should be forwarded to recruitment@glasgow2014.com
Our selection processes are designed and managed to promote fair and equitable treatment and equality of opportunity regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marriage and civil partnership.
Selection interviews are competency-based to ensure that selection decisions are made against objective criteria relevant to the candidates’ knowledge, skills and behaviour particular to the specific role.
We are looking to attract as many people from the local community as possible to work for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Whilst a limited number of specialist roles will require previous experience of working in a multi-sport competition environment, the vast majority will not and experience gained in other sectors will be given equal consideration.
The majority of our roles are advertised on the basis of a fixed term contract that will expire after the Commonwealth Games have been staged in August 2014, or sooner in the case of short term roles.
Yes. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to become involved in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Employment with us can come in different guises, but we will advertise all our opportunities actively through our website and within the local community.
All vacancies will be advertised on our jobs page. You can also register your details to receive regular email updates.
No. Given the numbers involved and the difficulties in guaranteeing standards, volunteers will need to make their own arrangements.
We aim to support you as much as possible in order for you to perform your role to the best of your abilities.
You will be provided with a volunteer uniform and accreditation pass, which you will be required to wear at all times whilst performing your role.
During Games Time, we will also provide you with refreshments during your shift and any role-specific equipment you may require.
We will prepare a comprehensive training programme for all our volunteers, regardless of their experience and skills. Our goal is to ensure every volunteer is fully prepared and ready for the Games as soon as they start.
Training times vary according to the roles involved but you will be expected to attend multiple sessions covering: