Jackie Smith, who claims she is just a Mum who got involved, received the Scottish Women in Sport - Volunteer of the Year award during a glitzy awards evening recently.
Jackie works tirelessly to support local clubs and volunteers across Scotland as Aberdeenshire Clubsport SCIO`s very first female Chair and as the newly elected Chair, of Scottish Clubsport. Jackie also volunteers at Huntly Smallbore Rifle Club as Treasurer, range officer and membership secretary.
The vision of Scottish Women in Sport is to have a world where women and girls have equal and fair opportunities in sport through various mediums including the promotion of positive role models, sharing good practice and encouraging more media coverage and increased investment into women and girls in sport.
The awards evening aims to recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment that enables young girls and women to participate in every aspect of sporting life. This year also marked the 10th Anniversary of Scottish Women in Sport.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Clubsport SCIO Jackie Smith: I was a little overwhelmed at receiving this award but to have your work and commitment recognised at a national level is just amazing. I volunteer because I enjoy it, every day is different and I get to meet lots of amazing people, many of whom are volunteers too.
Sport is so important not just for the obvious health reasons but it can be the heart of a community so we must support our local sports clubs where we can. Volunteers are at the very core of grassroots sport and it can be so rewarding. It was just 8 little words that got me started and can get you started to: “Do you need a hand? I’m here anyway.” Until I started volunteering. I didn’t know I had passion for the importance of grassroots sports and the volunteers who deliver it week on week. We need to make sure sport is accessible to everyone and never becomes something only the privileged can enjoy.
There is no doubt in my mind that I was only on that stage due to those who support me on a daily basis. If your surrounded by enthusiastic and good people, you will do good things.
Give it a go, who knows where it may land you.