Knowledge

For the fourth year running Bedell Cristin Guernsey, in partnership with the Guernsey Sports Commission, committed to a week-long celebration of local sports volunteers.

Bedell Volunteers’ Week ran from Monday 12 October to Monday 19 October, raising awareness of the sports volunteering opportunities available that allow islanders to give something back to their local community.

The week also recognised the contributions of local sports volunteers, who give up their time and experience to assist with the running of Guernsey sports clubs and events. Without their selfless service such events as the 2015 Island Games would not be possible.

Mark Helyar, managing partner of Bedell Cristin Guernsey, said: "The success of so much of the Bailiwick’s community activity relies on islanders able and willing to volunteer and, as a business with a long standing culture of community engagement, Bedell is delighted to once again support this week long initiative. It recognises the extraordinary contribution of volunteers in sport while also encouraging others to come forward."

On Monday 19 October the Guernsey Sports Commission hosted a Volunteer Recognition Evening at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre. Two awards were presented on the night, one to an outstanding local sports volunteer, and one to a local youth volunteer under 21 who has made a major contribution to sport in Guernsey.

The winners were Nick Marley (Bedell Volunteer Recognition Award) and Fraser Miller (Bedell Young Volunteer Award).

Nick Marley began providing help with the athletics teams about nine years ago, and after a period of time, he took over the Colts, which is a section of the Guernsey Island Amateur Athletics Club that looks after students during primary education. Now he works with Year 5 students and also helps those who do the junior hurdles, which is students up to Year 11. Overall, Nick helps with athletics about four times a week. "It is more and more rewarding" Nick said.

Fraser Miller won the Young Volunteer Award for the time he has devoted to help young people with judo. For the last six years Fraser has been working with a range of age groups including young people with special needs. Fraser commented on how rewarding volunteering was for him and how much he enjoyed it. "It is something I love, why would I not want to do it?" he said.