New Initiative to Celebrate Western Australia's Sporting Volunteers
A groundbreaking program, backed by Seven West Media, has been launched to honour the dedicated volunteers who form the backbone of community sports across Western Australia. This initiative, known as the WA Local Sporting Stars Volunteer Recognition Program, aims to shine a spotlight on the invaluable efforts of these individuals and inspire more people to get involved in grassroots sporting activities.
Government and Corporate Support for Volunteer Recognition
The program has received a significant boost with $294,000 in funding from the WA Government, supported by key partners including Seven West Media, SportWest, and Spudshed. This collaboration underscores the importance of recognising the vital role volunteers play in sustaining local sports clubs and teams throughout the state.
Deputy Premier and Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti emphasised the critical contribution of volunteers, stating, "Community sport in Western Australia simply wouldn't be possible without the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to local clubs and teams." She added that the program is designed to celebrate these efforts and highlight the inspiring stories from sporting clubs across WA.
How the Program Works and Prizes on Offer
Residents of Western Australia will have the opportunity to nominate deserving volunteers through an online platform. Each week, two winners will be selected to receive a $400 voucher as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
At the culmination of the program, an overall winner will be announced during the WA Day festival later this year. This top volunteer will secure $2,500 in funding for their chosen sporting club, along with an additional $1,000 personal prize, providing both recognition and tangible support for their community efforts.
Inspiring Volunteer Stories from the Ground
Bree Wagner, a volunteer at Whitfords Junior Football Club, shared her motivation for getting involved, citing her family's influence and personal sporting experiences. "I grew up playing basketball in the country, and my mum was a treasurer for the association and also my coach at times," she explained. "I've spent a lot of my time playing sport, and I just wanted to do the same for others, giving them the same opportunities and experiences I had."
Wagner highlighted the indispensable role of volunteers in the sporting world, noting, "The sporting world doesn't run without volunteering. Every sport needs people to jump in and get involved; otherwise, others coming up won't have the opportunity to play sport and develop life skills. It just won't run without them."
Broader Impact and Future Celebrations
This program not only aims to reward individual volunteers but also to foster a culture of appreciation and engagement within Western Australia's sporting communities. By acknowledging the hard work of volunteers like Michelle Santoro, Bree Wagner, and Stephen McGuinness, the initiative seeks to encourage more residents to contribute their time and skills to local clubs.
Minister Saffioti expressed her enthusiasm for the program, saying, "I look forward to celebrating our winners and acknowledging the outstanding work volunteers do every day." With ongoing support from media and corporate partners, this effort is set to make a lasting impact on grassroots sports across the state.
