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As part of their delivery of the DSD supported ‘Sport – a home for lifelong
Volunteering’ programme, the three largest sporting bodies have officially
recognised young people involved in volunteering in their clubs.
YOUNG SPORTS VOLUNTEERS CELEBRATED
At a joint awards ceremony last Wednesday
evening in the Wellington Park Hotel, Ulster Rugby,
IFA and Ulster GAA put the spotlight on young
sports volunteers. The celebration event officially
recognised all those young people aged 14-24 years
who volunteer at their local sports club and who
have completed 50, 100 or 200 hours volunteering
as part of the GoldMark Programme.
Jack O’Connor from the Department for Social
Development, attended the event to congratulate
all the young people involved, speaking at the
event he said: “The contribution and achievements
of volunteers are essential to sport in Northern
Ireland. There is no doubt that many clubs and
communities would not be sustainable if it weren’t
for the commitment of their volunteers. I have been
inspired by the number of young people here this
evening who have accumulated so many hours of
volunteering activity and I would like to thank you for
your time, energy and dedication”.
Ulster Rugby President Bobby Stewart highlighted
that the skills gained through volunteering are
transferable, he said: “This initiative has not only
benefited the clubs but also has helped the personal
and career development of the young people
involved. We hope that the skills and knowledge
attained by being part of the GoldMark Programme
will help these young people in their own personal
development.”
Ulster GAA President Michael Hasson praised the
young people saying: “Our sports clubs rely on
volunteers and it’s great to see so many young
people giving their time freely to help out. We hope
the young people who participated in the GoldMark
Programme will continue to be valuable volunteers
for their clubs in the years to come.”
Irish FA Football Committee Representative Gerard
Lawlor recognised the benefits that volunteering
can bring, saying: “I’ve been a volunteer for nearly
my whole life and I know from personal experience
the benefits it brings to the whole community. It’s
fantastic to see so many young people interested in
volunteering and nights like this serve to highlight the
value they bring whilst giving their achievements the
recognition it deserves.”
Jane Gribbin from Volunteer Now said it was
important to encourage volunteering, she said:
“The GoldMark Programme is a widely recognised
volunteering programme run by Vounteer Now and
is accredited by the Department of Education. The
certificates for 50, 100 and 200 hours volunteering is
something these young people should be very proud
of and put on their applications for further education
or career development.”
GOLD MARK PROGRAMME