BA thank the volunteers
This week – May 12 to 18 – marks the 25th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, and Bowls Australia have joined in the chorus to celebrate the contribution of thousands of volunteers who help maintain the 1,937 bowls clubs across the nation to ensure over 570,000 people can participate in the sport annually. Like many sports, bowls is heavily reliant on the generosity of volunteers, who fill pivotal roles in clubs, be it coaching, umpiring, members of the board or preparing afternoon tea and lunch, and the success of a club often hinges on the dedication of these essential people who donate so much more than their time and effort. Bowls Australia depend on the involvement of volunteers at all of the sport’s national and international events on the calendar, and are fortunate to receive exceptional support from a countless number of volunteers each year. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the sport of bowls, and there is no way to rightly express the gratitude deserving of their contribution, but each year Bowls Australia recognises their outstanding efforts through the Volunteer of the Year award at the annual Awards Night function. Last month, the national governing body also hosted a thank you function for 80 past and present Australian Open volunteers who each played a part in the event’s success since its inception in 2005, with each recognised for their contribution via a certificate of appreciation, while 13 volunteers who served at all ten Australian Opens were acknowledged and presented with a commemorative pen to symbolise their achievement. Bowls Australia would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to those who graciously volunteer for the benefit the sport. Caption: Volunteer Maureen assisting with scoring during Bowls Australia’s Australian Open.