SSS Staff Starring at Commonwealth Games

As the 2026 Commonwealth Games prepare to kick off in Glasgow this week, two SSS staff members are preparing for a busy couple of weeks.

Head of Competitions Chris Purdie and Business Manager Julia Stenhouse-Walton have both secured key voluntary roles with Team Scotland, meaning they will be at the heart of the action in Glasgow.

As previously announced, Chris will hold the title of Deputy Chef de Mission for the Games, taking responsibility for a lot of the background logistics that will allow the sizable Team Scotland squad to operate smoothly.

Julia, meanwhile, has built on experience from the 2022 Commonwealth Games to work in the Celebrating Success branch of the media team, supporting athletes with their duties post-event.

Ahead of Thursday’s Opening Ceremony, we caught up with Julia to hear about her Team Scotland journey…

Take us back 12 years – where were you for Glasgow 2014 and what are your memories of those Games?

Julia: “I was six months shy of my 16^th birthday when applications closed to be a volunteer for Glasgow 2014. I was absolutely devastated. I remember emailing the hiring manager to try and persuade them to make an exception! So, in 2014, I attended the games only as a spectator. I was playing as a hockey goalkeeper at school at the time, so we got tickets for what felt like all the hockey matches. What I remember most is the Malaysian women’s goalkeeper. She was utterly incredible!”

How did you first get involved with Team Scotland as a volunteer?

Julia: “I had worked a volunteer digital media role at Team GB for the Tokyo Olympics, and found that I really loved sharing the stories of Scottish athletes. When the volunteer media roles for Birmingham 2022 opened shortly after, I jumped at the chance to apply. I was really lucky to be selected as Digital Officer for Team Scotland that year. After my experience at the 2022 Games, I was eager to come back for more!”

What are you most excited about with these Games?

Julia: “It feels pretty special that this time around I get to experience a home Games as part of Team Scotland, just as I dreamed of when I was 16. Birmingham was a fantastic experience, but there’s something extra special about a Games being hosted in Scotland.”

What skill that you’ve developed at SSS will be most beneficial in your role with Team Scotland?

Julia: “I think the main skill I’ve further developed, and one that will really benefit me in this Team Scotland role, is clear communication. In my role at SSS, I support the organisation of large-scale member events. These events require consistent, clear communication with partners, members and venues, as well as across our staff team, to make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s a skill I’ll be putting to good use as part of the Celebrating Success team with Team Scotland this summer.”

How does volunteering in a games environment improve or develop you when returning to the day job?

Julia: “A Games environment is what I’d describe as “enjoyable chaos”. It teaches you to make decisions quickly, think on your feet and adapt to whatever comes your way. There’s often no time to overthink, so you have to stay switched on and solve problems creatively. It’s a brilliant lesson in prioritisation, thinking outside the box, and staying calm in an ever-changing environment. All these skills are really useful when returning to the day job!”

Lastly… Prediction time – where will Team Scotland finish on the medal table?

Julia: “#1 Always! LET’S GO SCOTLAND!”