The best heroes of all are humble human beings who don’t expect any recognition for their good deeds.
Elizabeth Blowes, the 2024 Wests Group Macarthur Sports adult volunteer of the year, certainly fits that bill to a tee.
Now in her 25th year as a tireless volunteer in the Campbelltown District netball association, she was a popular winner of the award on Saturday night at Wests Leagues Leumeah.
She had a simple reason when asked why she puts so much time and effort into netball: “They are my second family,’’ Ms Blowes said during her acceptance speech, pictured above.
Her nomination for an award said: “Liz is always going above and beyond for her club and the game of netball.
“At the young age of 12, Liz commenced her path to obtain her umpire’s accreditation and you will still see Liz around the courts umpiring today.
“A few years later at the age of 15 she started her coaching career and now holds the position of coaching coordinator at her club.
“At the age of 18 Liz joined Varroville Netball Club as a committee member where she took on many roles including club secretary and vice president.
“Liz current holds three roles on the committee, child welfare officer, equipment officer and club president.
“Liz takes every measure to ensure every player and their families have a safe, positive and successful netball journey,’’ the nomination said.
Elizabeth Dyet, of Wests Hockey Club, was named youth volunteer of the year. She is pictured above with Wests chairman Alan Buxton (left) and board director Paul Lake.
She has been the coach of the under 8 team for the past two years, and she also volunteers at many club events such as Bunnings barbecues.
“Libby is always willing to help out where she can – all you have to do is ask and she will be there to help,’’ said her nomination for the award.
More than 100 nominations were received for this year’s awards for sports volunteers of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years’ service.
Together they represent around 127 decades of service to various sports in the region.
On Saturday night, every single nominee present was called up on to the stage by the MC, Olympian Sarah Ryan, and presented with a service pin, certificate, and gift from Wests Group Macarthur.
“This is a key event on the Wests calendar, and we are delighted to celebrate the remarkable contribution of time and effort all the volunteers have given and continue to give to their chosen sport,’’ said Alan Buxton, chairman of Wests Group Macarthur.
The mayors of Campbelltown and Camden, George Greiss and Ashleigh Cagney were among the VIPs at the presentation function, which coincided with National Volunteer Week.
