Renee Matheson and Amie Hill’s contributions to netball have been recognised by the Office of Sport’s Western Region with the pair receiving Sporting Spirit Volunteer Awards.
State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said the awards aim to recognise the hard work and dedication of the region’s sport volunteers and were just in time for International Volunteers Day.
“Held annually on December 5, International Volunteers Day is a day for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts and to showcase the difference they make in their communities,” Mr Humphries said.
Cobar Netball Association juniors coordinator Renee Matheson was one of five Open Winners of the Awards across the western region.
Mr Humphries said Renee has been instrumental in the development and expansion of young player numbers within the club, particularly through the introduction of the NetSetGo program.
“Through her coordination of the program, Renee has been a driving force in local skills development in young people as well as encouraging good sportsmanship,” he said.
One of the four runners-up in the Open category of the awards was Amie Hill, also from the Cobar Netball Association.
Amie has been a passionate coach and manager to both junior and open regional representative sides, travelling throughout the region supporting athletes to higher levels of achievement.
“Amie is a squad coordinator, an assistant coach to the Far West Academy of Sport and has been instrumental in sport policy development at a local and regional level,” Mr Humphries said.
NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said everyone is a winner when it comes to volunteering, especially our communities, because without volunteers we couldn’t play sport.
He said volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots sport across western NSW.
Mr Humphries said we all rely on the hard work and dedication of our region’s volunteers so we can enjoy our weekend sport.
The winners of their categories will receive vouchers to spend on sports development programs provided or endorsed by the Office of Sport, Sport and Recreation.
