Knowledge

A NEW award has been launched by the organisers of Bedell Cristin Volunteers’ Week to recognise young sports volunteers.

Bedell Cristin Volunteers’ Week – a Guernsey Sports Commission initiative – last year included a night of recognition at which Barry Bartlett, 66, was awarded the volunteer award for his contribution to the equestrian scene. This year’s night of recognition will include a new award to recognise those volunteers aged 21 and under.

‘Last year 19 people were nominated for the volunteer award and this year we would like to increase that number as well as attract nominations for those under 21 years, who give their time freely to help others in sport. By launching the young volunteer award, we hope to recognise the significant contribution that young people make to the sporting community,’ said Mark Helyar, Bedell Cristin managing partner in Guernsey.

The event will take place at Beau Sejour on Monday 7 October where Mr Bartlett will present this year’s volunteer award winner with their trophy.

Islanders are being asked to nominate anyone they believe has made a significant contribution to sport through volunteering their services for the volunteer award and those under 21 for the young volunteer award.

Bedell Cristin Volunteers’ Week will run from Tuesday 1 to Monday 7 October with the aim to recognise, thank and recruit sporting volunteers in the island.

The week of activities will also include presentations by the Guernsey Sports Commission at secondary schools and a Hall of Fame depicting sports volunteers throughout the years, which will be placed at public locations across the island.

'During Bedell Cristin Volunteers’ Week we want to recognise the efforts of all sports volunteers but also take this opportunity to highlight the commitment of two individuals in particular. We are really excited about the young volunteer award because there is nothing quite like it,’ said Graham Chester, Guernsey Sports Commission operations director.

Islanders are welcome to attend the night of recognition between 6pm and 7.30pm but are asked to email info@guernseysports.com to confirm.

Islanders can also email their nominations for the awards to the above address and title the email Bedell Cristin Volunteers’ Week night of recognition nominations giving a telephone number, a summary of their nomination and the age of the nominee. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 18 September.

Please also send photos for the Hall of Fame to the above address, with the name and age of the individual and the sport they are involved in.

Islanders can follow the run up to Bedell Cristin Volunteers’ Week and the week itself through Facebook, Twitter and the Guernsey Sports Commission website.

All activity on Twitter will be marked with #BedellVolunteersWeek and #GuernseySports.

For more information visit www.guernseysports.com