Our volunteering stories: London Youth Games ParaGames Swimming 2026

London Youth Games (LYG) is one of the UK’s largest youth sports programmes, bringing together thousands of young people from across London through the power of sport.

At the annual ParaGames Swimming event, more than 300 young swimmers from borough teams across the capital came together for a fully inclusive day of competition. LYG uses Rosterfy to help coordinate volunteers across its events, supporting the smooth delivery of programmes like ParaGames Swimming.

Two members of the Rosterfy team volunteered on the day, joining the poolside timing team to record results across each 25m race. They share their reflections below on the atmosphere, inclusion, and community spirit that make LYG events so special.

Suzi McNulty, Solutions Consultant Lead at Rosterfy

This was my first time volunteering with Rosterfy. Even the 2 hour commute didn’t put me off, and I was especially pleased it was connected to swimming, which is very close to my heart. I love seeing the positive impact sport can have on people, particularly when it creates opportunities for inclusion, confidence, and community. It felt like a really meaningful way to give something back.

There were so many moments that stood out. I was genuinely moved seeing the ability lifts being put to such good use and the creative ways safety and inclusion had been considered throughout the event – including lifeguard floats helping swimmers doing backstroke avoid bumping into the pool end.

What stayed with me most though was the atmosphere. Watching the children cheering each other on, seeing their determination, and then the sheer happiness on their faces when they finished their races – regardless of where they placed – was incredibly special. The medal table was absolutely groaning by the end of the day, and every single medal felt deserved.

Volunteering gives you the chance to support something meaningful while also experiencing the atmosphere and human moments you don’t always see from the side lines. I’d definitely encourage others to get involved if they have the opportunity. There are so many opportunities to volunteer – I would suggest choosing something that speaks to you personally.

Virgile Vignaud, Senior Solutions Consultant at Rosterfy

From front crawl and backstroke to relays, mixed and single-sex events, there was so much happening throughout the day, yet everything felt incredibly well organised and smoothly executed by the event organisers and club leaders.

It was a brilliant opportunity to support an event that helps children with disabilities get into a sport competitively and to encourage them to do the best they can.

Seeing these kids being proud of themselves, and hearing the proud parents and classmates in the crowd cheer for them was moving. I felt as though I belonged there. It was a humbling and gratifying experience, making me reflect on my own journey through life.

I would absolutely recommend volunteering at events like this. This was an opportunity to meet great people who all share the same goal: helping others, and seeing the look on parents’ faces as their children won their race or just pushed all the way despite adversity was very moving.