UK university staff, students to be volunteers in Commonwealth Games

A group of 14 students, including three Indians, and the staff of a United Kingdom university will act as volunteers in the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in the capital from October 3.

The group from Leeds Metropolitan University accompanying three athletes, who are participating in the CWG, will be given highly specific roles during the Games.

"It is a big opportunity for all the students as it encourages them to have an international experience and a rounded view of different cultures and environments," a University staff member told reporters here.

With apprehensions about the preparedness and security concerns coming from certain quarters, 20-year-old Tom Mathews, who is part of the team, says he has full faith in the security preparations by the CWG Organising Committee and the Indian government.

"I am sure the OC and the government have taken care of the security arrangements and we have no fears. I have full confidence in the arrangements," Mathews told PTI.

The team hasn't been given specific jobs as of now and are expecting to be briefed about it next week.

"No matter what the denoement of the Games, long term relations are often contingent upon such youth activities," the University release said.

The University claims to be having a fulfilling and successful foray into student volunteering in India.

In January 2008, on being ratified as the UK Education Partner for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, the University had sent a group of student volunteers for gaining a global experience of sports.