Five members of the Milk Cup Committee have received certificates to mark their graduation as volunteering champions.
Chairman Victor Leonard, PRO Jim Sandford, treasurer Dr. Tom Stark, accommodation officer Derek Ewing and transport co-ordinator Bob McClure have all been successful in the Creating Volunteering Champions programme which provides volunteer management training in sport, delivered by the Volunteer Development Agency.
Coleraine's Olympic rower Alan Campbell officially launched the programme in Northern Ireland and paid tribute to the thousands of people who volunteer in all arenas of sport: "They are such a vital link in sport, driving forces who are often overlooked or go unrecognised for the immense role they play in ensuring sportsmen and women of all ages get the opportunity to compete and enjoy their chosen sport.
"I know so many in Coleraine, people such as Bobby Platt who has devoted so much of his spare time to rowing and encouraged people like me. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the input and dedication of coaches and encouragers such as Bobby."
Milk Cup PRO Jim Sandford (centre) with Coleraine's Olympic oarsmen Alan Campbell (right) and Richard Archibald.
Victor Leonard said: "Like many other sports and sporting events, the Milk Cup is dependent on a wide raft of volunteers. Vital as they are, they are often taken for granted and not given the recognition they deserve.
"Creating Volunteering Champions has made us aware of the importance of recruiting, supporting and valuing our volunteers and giving them opportunities to further their interest in the sport at all levels. Without them, we would be struggling to achieve the success we have, with them, the game will continue to grow and flourish.”
At a reception held at Queen’s PEC, which also marked 1,000 days to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, 100 people who have graduated from the programme to date, were presented with their certificates. In addition to the Milk Cup, graduates of the programme include representatives from the North West 200, Irish Football Association, Ulster Hockey, Royal Yachting Association (NI Committee), Athletics NI and Swim Ulster.
Wendy Osborne OBE, Director, Volunteer Development Agency said, “We know that 92% of sports clubs could not exist without volunteers. Creating Volunteering Champions is about helping individuals and organisations recognise the importance of volunteer involvement and supporting them to make a commitment to good practice in volunteer management; therefore improving their existing and new volunteers’ experiences and creating a culture that values, protects and empowers volunteers.”
Welcoming the award of the Inspire Mark Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said, “We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all around the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now. I congratulate everyone involved in Creating Volunteering Champions for securing the Inspire Mark and wish you every success with your work.”
If you are interested in finding out more about Creating Volunteering Champions please go to
www.volunteering-ni.org