ASC launches largest ever volunteer campaign

As National Volunteer Week (NVW) commences today, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has unveiled a digital map designed to celebrate and recognise the individuals who enable the sports we cherish.

This interactive platform showcases a diverse range of volunteers participating in sports, extending from bustling urban centres to remote towns across Australia.

ASC CEO, Kieren Perkins OAM, highlighted that this innovative initiative forms part of the broader ‘3 Cheers for Volunteers’ campaign, which aims to acknowledge the essential role that volunteers play in the sports landscape.

“Volunteers are the heart of Australian sport, and we’re incredibly grateful to the 2.8 million individuals who ensure that sport remains accessible to all,”

“Sport not only connects people but also fosters a sense of belonging.

“This map is an excellent tool for illustrating the mutual benefits that volunteers experience through their contributions to community sport.” Perkins stated.

President of the Umina Bunnies Rugby League Football Club, Dean Young, added: “This club has become my second family.”

“For me, it’s crucial that these kids have a safe space to grow and form friendships in a healthy environment.

“You don’t know how fulfilling it is until you’ve volunteered for at least one year of your life. If we can help young kids develop into good adults, it ultimately benefits the entire community,” Young said.

Each narrative will illustrate the significant role volunteers play and the advantages of their involvement in sports.

The recognition and retention of volunteers have been central to Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy, Play Well, alongside the Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan, as vital components for the sustainable growth of the sports sector.

In the lead-up to NVW, the ASC reached out to numerous volunteers from Bunbury, Western Australia, to Boat Harbour, Tasmania, with plans to share their previously untold stories across social media.

This map is a significant aspect of the ASC’s enduring ‘3 Cheers for Volunteers’ initiative, which continues to be championed throughout the Australian sports community year after year.

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