Volunteers’ Week from 1-7 June gives us a chance to say thank you and recognise volunteers on the front line and behind the scenes.
On day one of Volunteers week Audrey shares her experience of volunteering as a Regional Committee Member.
Audrey Livingston - Regional Committee Member
"Not long after I had joined my local triathlon club in 2006 I started to volunteer with the committee, as the swim co-ordinator. I looked after the swimming pool facilities we used, continuing our relationship with them and ensuring that both the venues and us as a club were happy with all arrangements. In 2013 The London Regional Manager mentioned that the Regional Committee were looking for someone to take over the role of coaching co-ordinator and he thought I could contribute so much to the role. I was invited to attend a committee meeting and it turned out I already knew the person who was standing down as we had met on workshops and courses and the rest, as they say, is history.
My role on the Regional Committee is working/liaising with the Regional Manager to develop and implement relevant CPD opportunities for London coaches, attend the CDP workshops that I have helped develop and introduce myself to the coaches that participate. I feedback to the committee on the success of the workshops. I also identify areas of work that we need to develop that fall outside of CPD, such as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups.
The best part of being a member of the Regional Committee is when someone thanks you for organising the workshop/CPD they have attended, enjoyed, found informative and where I answered questions they had. I have managed to organise and deliver the following CPD/Workshops –
- Nutrition (I had the pleasure of meeting Dame Kelly Holmes on this workshop)
- Running Technique Day
- 1st Aid
I think that being able to have an impact on the coaches experience in the region will have a positive knock on effect to all the members of the region.
I would help recruit new volunteers to the Regional Committee by promoting the good work we do and letting people know how they can have a say/impact on what happens in triathlon within the region.
As well as being a member of the Regional Committee I am a Level 3 Triathlon coach. I work with two local clubs, Crystal Palace Triathletes (my home club) and Windrush Triathletes, were I coach both adults and juniors. I have helped develop and now run a junior triathlon after school club. I am a ITU Level 1 Technical Official working at a variety of events from local club run events with 2-300 competitors to large national events like the London Triathlon that cater for thousands of competitors. I also recently qualified as a BTF Mentor."
Thank you Audrey for all you do for our sport!
As everybody within sport knows, the help given by volunteers is invaluable. Take a look at our Volunteers and Technical Officials pages where you can find out more about how to get involved in volunteering and the responsibilities of your role, keep up to date with any important issues concerning volunteers and hear about any new initiatives of which you should be aware.
