Volunteers Dinner

08.06.2005

Llancaiach Fawr held host to a prestigious awards night last Thursday, as some of Caerphilly Borough’s most incredible people came together at the Sports Development Coach and Volunteer Awards night.

The event, organised by the Borough’s Sports Development Team, was held to recognise and thank those incredible individuals who work so tirelessly in local schools, clubs, and on Sports Development work programmes. More than seventy sports coaches and volunteers from various sports and backgrounds attended. The evening included a plush three-course meal at the Manor House, and plenty of entertainment including a quiz, magician and a surprise ‘Crazy Waiter’.

David Phenis, Caerphilly’s Sports Development Manager said, ‘Sport in Caerphilly is developing rapidly, as reflected by our steadily growing team, which now includes 10 full time and 4 part time development officers. The fact that we were also able to fill a large room with great coaches and volunteers, again suggests that Sport in the Borough is going in the right direction, from strength to strength.’

Although the evening was to thank everyone who was present, there were two very special awards for outstanding achievement, presented by the Deputy Mayor of Caerphilly Cllr. Liz Aldworth. James Chappron, 22, received Young Volunteer of the Year 2005, for his consistent hard work assisting in a number of Sports Development initiatives, including Girls Rugby and delivering Dragon Sport. In response to receiving the award, James said ‘I am greatly honoured to receive the award and feel privileged to be recognised for my work, especially considering the amount of hard work and effort everyone here has put in to sport in the Borough.’

The Volunteer of the Year 2005 went to Rob Bailey, 39, who was an extremely worthy winner, thanks to his commitment and hard work developing sport for the local children in Graig y Rhacca. Rob said ‘I was stunned & amazed to win the award, but very proud as well’. Rob is now looking to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, to raise money for British Kidney Patients Association " Children's Holiday Fund Appeal ". This allows children with Chronic Renal Failure to go on a free holiday where they can still receive their treatment.

Cllr. Aldworth, who was pleased to support the event and present the awards, commented on the evening by describing it as ‘a great night with some of the most enthusiastic and fun people in the Caerphilly, and much talent on show for the County Borough to be proud of.’

The evening was a great success and the emphasis on valuing our volunteers was clearly put across. The event also coincided with Volunteer’s Week, which is celebrated each year in the first week of June. Hannah Mawson, Caerphilly’s Dragon Sport Coordinator said ‘the event is definitely something we are keen to hold annually. It is so important to thank those special people, and we now need to focus our efforts on retaining all of them, and recruiting more volunteers to support local clubs and schemes’.