Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport. The value of Volunteers in our sport is immense and irreplaceable. Without the commitment, dedication and passion of the countless Volunteers across Western Australia contributing to swimming, our sport would not be successful.
This week is National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May), which annually commends and recognises all Volunteers who contribute their time, across the country.
Over 7,000 Volunteers give their time to swimming in Western Australia annually. This includes; 180 Technical Officials, 200 Coaches, 300 Club Committee Members, over 6,000 parents.
One of those Volunteers is Ron Barnes (Breakers Swimming Club), winner of the Westpac Volunteer of the Year at the 2019 Westpac Swimmer of the Year Awards last Saturday night. Ron is the voice of swimming in Western Australia and a fitting ambassador for Volunteering in our sport. Ron spoke to Swimming WA about how he got involved in Volunteering
“Helen Hull (former President of Breakers Swimming Club) asked me to help out at a Breakers Splash Swim Meet, five years ago,” Barnes said.
“During that time, I was on the Breakers Committee as Records Officer. I started Volunteering to help out but also because being involved was enjoyable for me.”
Members of the Breakers Swimming Club recall memories of Ron volunteering his time behind the BBQ.
“I have cooked a few sausages in my day, having been involved in many Clubs including those in Rugby, Squash, Surf, Tennis, and Golf, as well as swimming.”
For more information on how you can get involved and volunteer your time, visit our Volunteer’s page or contact Swimming WA.
