The recognition of the work that volunteers do within the Irish sporting arena is important. Without them, much of what we take for granted simply would not happen. So it is great that the 2022 Volunteer in Sports Awards have been launched by the Federation of Irish Sport.
Nominations will remain open until January 25th at www.volunteersinsport.ie. There will be a National Awards ceremony in Dublin in March where a single overall Outstanding Volunteer of the Year will be named from among 32 individual winners selected on a county by county basis across the island of Ireland.
The awards are being promoted through the hashtag of #DedicatedtotheDedicated.
Over 450,000 volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to run club activities, giving on average 3½ hours per week. The estimated economic value of volunteering in sport and physical activity has been calculated by the Federation as being worth in the region of €1.5bn. In actual fact, their contribution is priceless as without their time, your time, our time, much of the sport that takes place in clubs would simply not happen.
The 2020 County Kildare recipient Tom Egan of Salmon Leap Canoe Club and his daughter World Ranked Number One Canoeist Jenny Egan was present for the launch alongside the Minister of State for Sport, Jack Chambers.
“It’s an honour to be part of the launch of these national awards,” said the Minister, “recognising the many volunteers who are the backbone of local sports clubs in every community across the country. ”
“They are responsible for making sure weekly training sessions take place, managing teams, organising inter-club matches, ensuring pitches, courts and clubhouses are kept operational, and most importantly bringing communities together through sport.”
“Last year’s winners represented a wide variety of sports and all ages of volunteers. I would encourage all club members to reflect on who they know in their club that has made a difference and had a positive impact in their community through their dedication to their sport.”
“I am delighted to launch the return of the Volunteers in Sport Awards,” added Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor.
“While the awards were successfully hosted online for the last two years due to the pandemic, nothing beats the warmth and connectivity of gathering in person to recognise the selfless work being done by volunteers behind the scenes at clubs and sporting organisations.”
“There is a strong sense of volunteerism in sport in Ireland. We had been on track to reach the 2027 target of 55 percent for social participation, club membership or attendance at a sporting event. However, Covid has impacted this and we need to encourage more participation and volunteering to get back on track to reach this target.”
“Shining a light on our volunteers in sport is a way to recognise and remind people of the invaluable role they play in society.”
