Our elite athletes, coaches and administrators may hog the headlines, but there is no doubt it is the grassroots gang of volunteers who keep sport ticking in New Zealand.

Offering their time, energy and expertise for no reward, except the satisfaction of knowing they are helping others enjoy their chosen sports, this vast workforce are the nation’s sporting backbone.   

National Volunteer Week, which runs from June 17-23, is an opportunity for those in the Tasman region to recognise the value of their volunteers.

Sport Tasman is playing a big part in National Volunteer Week. It is combining with Volunteer Nelson to offer an awareness campaign at Richmond Mall on Tuesday, June 19, running from 10am-4pm, sharing opportunities for future events including the September All Blacks test versus Argentina, and offering education regarding the impact of the volunteer sector within sports.

Katie Arden, Sport Tasman Events Manager, said, “We are really looking forward to working with Volunteer Nelson to explore ways our organisations can collaborate on events, volunteer support and community engagement.

“We are keen to share resources, enabling both organisations to operate effectively and efficiently, and more innovatively.”

Katie explained that Sport Tasman’s focus was on attracting young adults (aged from 18-30) to volunteering within sport in the region – providing them with an opportunity to learn from experienced members of the community.

Sport Tasman has also recently hosted a Volunteer Nelson recognition event, led by Volunteer Nelson, for outstanding volunteers in the region. This is made up of those volunteers that have been recognised by their communities for valued support and is a way for the community to thank them officially.

Jessica Williams is a great example of a highly valued community volunteer of her sport.

The bubbly, warm and enthusiastic 18-year-old, a year 13 student at Nelson College for Girls, has volunteered for the Nelson Netball Centre’s holiday programmes for the last three years, and has also given her time to coach school netball teams since Year 11.

In addition, she coaches younger volleyball teams and tutors refugees with their school subjects.

Jessica also excels at playing the various sports she loves, being part of the Nelson under-19 rep netball team, plus the NCG senior A netball and volleyball teams.

Her reasons for volunteering are simple. “I enjoy hanging out with the kids and love being around and getting to know all different types of people … it is that which makes me want to come back year after year.”

Arnella King, Nelson Netball’s Operations and Financial Officer, said her organisation was very lucky to have someone like Jess giving up her time and being part of their volunteering community.

For more information on volunteering for Sport Tasman please contact Jane Miles on 03 923 2317 or email her on jane.m@sporttasman.org.nz. Website: www.sporttasman.org.nz/Who-are-we/Work-with-us

By Peter Jones, Sport Tasman

Photo caption: Sport Tasman & Volunteer Nelson enjoying the chance to get together to talk Volunteers. From left Katie Arden (Sport Tasman); Gordon Oldfield, Holly Drummond and Belinda Harte from Volunteer Nelson.