Volunteer motivation and expectations prior to the XV commonwealth games in manchester, UK

The recruitment and management of volunteers to support the development of major sporting events has become a key factor in sports and has sports tourism implications in terms of the effects upon volunteering in the region by drawing upon volunteers from outside the immediate area. However, in order to mobilize and utilize such volunteers effectively it is necessary to understand the expectations of volunteers prior to an event. The authors analyse the findings of a quantitative survey of volunteers at the XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester, 2002, undertaken prior the event. As well as confirming the sports tourism potential of mega-events as expressed through volunteering, management implications are derived with respect to fine-tuning the benefits which should be offered to volunteers.