SOSUNS Volunteers and Athlete of the Year Announced

SOSUNS athletes love to play sport!  This would not be possible without numerous volunteers who give up their precious time to, amongst other things, coordinate, coach, umpire, raise funds and manage events.  SOSUNS recently thanked volunteers by holding a fantastic cocktail function at the beautiful Avondale Golf Course function centre.   The occasion was also used to announce the 2009 Tony Barr Junior and Senior Volunteer of the Year Awards and also the 2009 Jane Flemming Athlete of the Year Award.  A special surprise was also in store for one unsuspecting volunteer who was presented a community award by Mr Barry O’Farrell.

Melissa, Ashley and Jo

The 2009 Junior Volunteer of the year was awarded to Ashley Springett.  Ashley is an assistant tennis coach with the Saturday Willoughby group and is patient and very good at giving positive reinforcement to all athletes.  He is passionate about tennis and loves passing on his skills to the younger athletes.  The athletes enoy having Ashley as a mentor with some even cheering him on at the recent SOSUNS tennis carnival.

The 2009 Senior Volunteer of the Year award was given to Jeanette Black.  In the numerous nominations received for Jeanette she was described as reliable, committed, hard working, helpful, compassionate, encouraging, fantastic, happy and caring.  Jeanette volunteers for five hours every week in the SOSUNS motor skills program run at Karonga and Cromehurst Special Schools.  She helps up to 60 children every week, including many with high levels of disability. 

Jeanette with Hei Wan

The 2009 Athlete of the Year award went to Melissa Eustace.  Mel is described as showing excellent sportsmanship at all times, leadership, inspirational, encouraging to other athletes and has consistant attendance at her chosen sports of softball, dance, ten pin bowling and swimming.  Mel also participates in the SOSUNS ALPS program and regularly makes wonderful speeches promoting Special Olympics.

The final award presented was a Community Service award which Mr Barry O’Farrell, who attended the night, organised and presented.  The award was given to Jo Abbott, coordinator and founding member of the extremely successful SOSUNS dance program.  Thanks in large part to Jo’s hard work, the popularity of the dance program has increased substantially in recent years and now consists of six groups.    

Greg, Jo, Barry O'Farrell and Barry Easy

All of the volunteers had a great time catching up and enjoying the delicious canapes provided by the Golf Club.  Volunteers were also treated to the wonderful music of the Barker College jazz band.  Speeches by Mel and Sean had everyone laughing whilst also learning about the importance of voluteers in the lives of the athletes.