From the theatrical dazzle of the Opening Ceremony, to caring for guide dogs while para athletes competed, alumni, staff and students gave their time to make the Games such a success.
Amy Deakin (BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences, 2009)
Amy trained for 75 hours to prepare for her role as a marshal and performer at the opening and closing ceremony of the Games, including learning dance routines while dressed as a Peaky Blinder.
Her role was to keep the athletes moving to their designated areas in both ceremonies, and she even got to try on a medal. She explains: 'During the closing ceremony an athlete walked past wearing a bronze medal. I asked him how heavy it was and he happily gave it to me to try on!
'I'm really, really proud to have been involved. We needed to report on site five hours ahead of the opening ceremony, so we got to be around for all the build-up – it was amazing.'
George Bence (MEng Civil and Energy Engineering, 2016)
George made sure to emphasise his connections to the University hockey team as a member of the BUCS winning side in his final year when making his application as a volunteer. It turned out to be a winning strategy, as he was invited to play in the official hockey test event held two days before the Games began. 'Seeing myself up on the big screen in the middle of the game, with Old Joe in the background, did feel a bit surreal,' he says.
Noman Tariq (third year, Mental Health Nursing)
As a volunteer T2 driver, Noman made sure guests from many different countries got to the right sporting venues, driving in electric cars.
He says: 'I met new and wonderful people from all over the world every day, and the most exciting part was sharing my passion for Birmingham in every conversation. The infectious positive energy of my fellow volunteers and the clients made me look forward to every shift and unsurprisingly lose track of my days.
'The two weeks were like a movie for me. I was looking forward to the Games for two years, but it would be fair to say the whole experience exceeded my high expectations.'
Rachel Eade MBE and Saroj Watton
Rachel (Business Engagement Manager, Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education) and Saroj (Senior Education Support Administrator, Birmingham International Academy) were Campus Ambassadors at the University, helping spectators find their way around.
'It was fantastic to welcome such a wide spectrum of people to the University, from retired alumni returning to campus, local families enjoying the Games, all the way through to prospective students. We had visitors from New Zealand, Australia and Gambia here to support their hockey teams and squash players and even had athletes popping by on days off to soak up the atmosphere.
'Having the chance to give something back to the University and city was enormously rewarding. The sense of community among all the volunteers and visitors was tremendous.'
Matthew Man (MSc Mathematics, 2012; PGDip Secondary Education (QTS) Mathematics, 2013)
Matthew acted as a media team member, liaising with journalists and photographers for the women’s cricket at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
He says: 'Despite having a lack of media experience, I was surrounded by very friendly colleagues. I was fortunate to see Malala Yousafzai talking with the Pakistan team after their first match, as well as the medal ceremony following the final between India and Australia. I was able to get great views (I was pitch side) and see the medals being handed out.
'I feel honoured and proud to be an alumnus of the University. Hats off for being able to host the Games!'
Rachel Gamble, University Careers Network Mentoring Manager
In her day job, Rachel helps students and recent graduates get their dream jobs through the University's Careers Network. During the Games, she helped make sure athletes had everything they needed to compete at their very best.
She says: 'I really enjoyed volunteering as part of the Athletes Services Team for Lawn Bowls at Royal Leamington Spa. I think what made it special was the lovely community of volunteers, who were from all over the UK and even came from abroad.
'I was asked to look after the guide dog of one of the England para athletes while he competed in his match; I got to give lots of fuss to James the labradoodle. It was also really lovely bringing my family onto campus for the first time to watched the hockey.'
Sharon Dartnell
Sharon, a volunteer based at the University throughout the Games, is a Birmingham native but discovered much more about the art and cultural collections available on campus.
She says: 'There were some long days to work but I met some amazing people: volunteers, spectators, and competitors. I'm from Birmingham myself but was not previously particularly familiar with the University.
'I didn't realise there was the museums and such beautiful buildings, or the chance to walk along the canal into the city. It was a great experience, I made some new friends and look back on it all as really good fun.'
WIN!
We have hidden our 12 medals (seven gold, two silver and three bronze) across this issue of Old Joe for you to find. Get in touch with
your name and contact details, and tell us what medal you found in which article, to be in with a chance to win some Commonwealth Games-related goodies!