4/12/05
Sport and Recreation Minister John Bowler has extended his thanks to the dedicated volunteers who have contributed so much to the sport and recreation industry ahead of a special event in their honour.
The Department of Sport and Recreation, in partnership with the Rio Tinto Future Fund, will host a special recognition breakfast on Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at Burswood on Swan from 7.30am to celebrate International Volunteers Day (December 5).
Mr Bowler said he was grateful for the efforts of so many committed men and women.
“Our volunteers are the real heroes of the Western Australian sport and recreation community,” he said.
“They give so much of their time with little want of reward or personal glory and without that unselfish devotion many of our sporting clubs and associations simply could not continue to survive.
“It is estimated the volunteer contribution to the Australian sports sector is $1.6million, but the social benefits passed on are invaluable in terms of developing a healthier society.”
The breakfast is the Department of Sport and Recreation’s way of thanking the volunteers whose efforts have provided countless sporting and recreation opportunities to their local communities.
A number of former and current Olympians, Commonwealth Games athletes and players from the Perth Glory, Perth Lynx and Perth Heat will also say thank you to the multitude of volunteers who have supported them throughout the development of their professional sporting careers.
Olympic gymnast Alana Slater, Glory captain Jamie Harnwell and Lynx US import Katharine Hanks, among others, will be serving breakfast to some 250 volunteers on the morning.
Similar recognition ceremonies will be held in regional areas throughout the State to thank volunteers for the valuable contributions they have made to the Western Australian sport and recreation community.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
