Hundreds of junior hockey players took to the fields at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham on Saturday, as the sport recognised the vital role of volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
Hockey ACT chief executive Rob Sheekey praised the volunteers who make the sport possible, noting that the organisation has 6,000 participants but only 10 staff. 'They are incredible people who sacrifice so much of their own time for the benefit of others, and we're nothing without them,' he said.
Among the volunteers is 15-year-old Cooper Evans, a rising junior star who plays for St Patrick's Hockey Club. Despite playing top grades in the afternoon, he arrives early on Saturday mornings to cheer on younger players in a mascot outfit and also dedicates time to umpiring. 'I love the community,' he said.
St Patrick's Hockey Club president Kathy Mumberson said the club has more than 400 members and relies heavily on volunteers for coaching, managing, umpiring, and administrative tasks. 'Without volunteers, the club just wouldn't operate,' she said.
The event featured a mega photo gallery capturing the action and the spirit of volunteerism that underpins community sport in Canberra.
