This week we're getting to know some of our SUNS members who volunteered at the Commonwealth Games and learning about their experiences as a volunteer and what makes them a great SUNS member.
Today we get to know Jim...
What was your role at the Commonwealth Games?
I have completed over 200 volunteering hours over the 3 stages of the process from call centre, assisting with applications, selection centre, interviews of applicants to games venue shifts. And further thanks to Danny who completed the Application and nomination for selection in the running of QBR (Queens Baton Relay) in a final section of the run into the Gold Coast .
What was your number one highlight?
As a Spectator we enjoyed watching some World class events played out in an impressive spirit of Sportsmanship & Friendly manner however, for me the event highlight was for the first time the integration and normalisation of the Para Sports Athletics with the Commonwealth and indeed Olympic Athletics. One of our games Ambassadors Para Athletic Kurt Fearnley is a not only a World Champion but an absolute inspiration to our Nation for both young & Old …He is my Hero of the Games.
Did you have the opportunity to meet anyone ‘famous’, were you star struck at all?
There have been many wonderful memories over the Games period including both from an Operational Support to a Games Spectator perspective.
Highlights include…
- Meeting the Governor General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove and being in one of his blogs promoting the GC2018 Games Volunteers.
- Selected in a Volunteers promotional videos with Chairman Peter Beattie, CEO Mark Peters, Mat Rodgers Volunteers Ambassador for use in the Selection/Interview Centre @ Burleigh Heads and in TV promotions.
- Interviewed in a number of TV & Newspaper articles.
- Small part (as an Australian Athletic Coach) in a TAFE /GOLDOC feature promotional video.
You were also part of the Queens Baton Relay – what was that experience like?
The Queens Baton Relay experience was very special and to have my grandchildren there to share the moment to also understand the journey of the Baton & message from the Queen for the opening of the GC 2018 Commonwealth games was a real bonus. My section was in the upper Coomera are, the last section into the Gold Coast and the mix of runners from the many areas of our community from teenagers to mature aged folk who had contributed in many & various ways was a highlight. The crowd support including the police security team created a wonderful friendly & happy life long memory.
You’re involved with the Coolangatta SLSC, can you tell us more about your role there?
My journey in Surf Life Saving commenced in 1958 as a junior member of Greenmount (Tweed Heads Coolangatta SLSC). We were in a bronze certificate squad ready to sit for our final test after completing our proficiency test in the new season of 1959 when we were approached along with three senior qualified members to join a group at the other end of Coolangatta Beach that had formed but not yet established due to a difficulty in recruiting members to a new club without any club house or support facilities.
I am currently an active and patrolling member and indeed the oldest proficient club member (76 years on 16/06) and intended to continue next season after I have recovered from this heart valve replacement surgery.
Does footy play a big role in your family?
As Foundation Members of the Suns and as spectators yes, it is one of our favourite Winter season activities. As a Queenslander, I played rugby league & union and sadly never Australian footy but became a convert in 1978.
As a Foundation Member, what’s been your favourite SUNS moment?
There have been many but beating top sides like Geelong, North Melbourne and Footscray (Western Bulldogs) are a few but seeing the team click and play as team on occasions and the skills of some younger team members such as Jack Martin and Tom Lynch has been special.
As a proud Gold Coaster do you love that you have an AFL team to call your own?
Yes indeed, we have a great ground with easy access and now the footy club has first class new facilities in the new Sports & Leisure Centre (thanks to the Commonwealth games) with new training ground adjacent surely, equal of any in the competition then It seems with right coaching staff & culture will attract more talent and success will follow. It is wonderful to see top teams and the game’s best players right here in our back yard.
