The Queen has praised the volunteers who will help out at the upcoming Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in her message to mark Commonwealth Day.
Promoting the value and unifying influence of the Commonwealth, she says sport contributes to building peace and development.
"The excitement and positive potential of friendly rivalry will be on display next month as we enjoy the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.
"Contributing to the success of the Games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers," the Queen said in her message ahead of the occasion on Monday.
"Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities.
"By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people's lives, today, and for future generations."
The Queen said there was a "very special value" in the insights people gained through the Commonwealth.
"Through exchanging ideas and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future.
"Shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division."
The Queen said she looked forward to welcoming leaders from the 53 nations of the Commonwealth to her homes in London and Windsor next month for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
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