Stefanie Eynon: My Experience Volunteering at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is just around the corner! Bruntwood are the 'Official Commercial Property Development Provider' of the Games. Our colleagues are getting into the spirit of the Games, especially Bruntwood SciTech Community Engagement Manager, Stefanie Eynon who is volunteering at this year’s Birmingham 2022. Here, Stefanie shares how she’s been supporting the Games. 

What are you doing to support the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games?

I'm currently volunteering for Birmingham Ceremonies, within the Tech Comms team. Right now, we’re deep in the rehearsal stage for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies which include 2000+ cast members. My volunteer role is to ensure all members have the correct equipment and that lead choreographers can communicate with the performers, so that everything runs smoothly and everyone performs in time. 

I'm also working alongside stage management and lighting teams to assist with their tech requirements. It's a great role to be in and lets you work with a wide range of departments; I like to think we're the glue that's keeping everyone together!

How were you selected to be a volunteer? 

When the opportunity arose to become involved in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I didn't have to think twice! I applied to be a part of the 'Commonwealth Collective' back in summer of 2021 (along with 43,000 others!). 

From there, I received an invitation to interview and then attended an interview day at Birmingham Library in September 2021. That was really the first time I felt the buzz and impact that the Games will have on Birmingham. 

There was a mini-exhibition throughout the library that highlighted lots of key facts of the Games - including that it will be the most sustainable edition to date and that it’s the first Games with more women’s medals than men’s - as well as unveiling the Birmingham 2022 Official Mascot, Perry who was designed by a local 10-year-old girl. 

In March 2022, I found out I was one of the 13,000 successful volunteers and was allocated a role within the Opening / Closing Ceremonies team!

What are you most excited about? 

Seeing everything come together on the night(s)! Each shift, I'm seeing snippets of different choreography sections, props being built, costumes being sewn and even stunt cars! When you watch these ceremonies on TV it's highly impressive, but now to see the full extent of preparation first-hand and the sheer number of people making it happen, it's really quite something. To see it all come together on Thursday 28 July in the Alexander Stadium will be a really special moment.

Why do you think the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is important for the city?

The Games will put Birmingham on the global map for all to see, and it makes me immensely proud to call it my home city! Never before in my lifetime has Birmingham hosted an event of this scale. We're already seeing the city come to life through the Commonwealth Games Cultural Festival that has been running for a few months now, and it's only going to amplify the closer we get to the Games. The Bruntwood ethos of 'Creating Thriving Cities' could not be more relevant at the current time; Birmingham is truly thriving! 

Are you using your Bruntwood Cares Days to volunteer? 

Yes! Bruntwood colleagues get 24 hours per year to volunteer. After speaking with Bruntwood’s Social Impact Team, we decided that because Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is such a unique opportunity and aligns so well with Bruntwood’s values, that my time spent volunteering would count towards my ‘Cares’ allowance. 

Find out more about Bruntwood’s role as 'Official Commercial Property Development Provider' of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games here.