News

03/06/2024 00:00, In Blog /

The time, energy and committment of those who volunteer in our sport ensure that competitions run smoothly, clubs are run well, and that training and coaching sessions are available. Each year National Volunteer week gives us a chance to highlight some of those people contributing to athletics in Wales and say a BIG THANK YOU to them all. We start the week with a feature on one of the youngest officials we have in Wales:

Fraser Higginson is only 16 but has already been competing in athletics for seven years, taking up race walking when was 10 and having already represented Welsh Schools twice at SIAB competitions, Fraser is hoping to do so again this summer in Carmarthen. As well as training at his club Bridgend AC, Fraser began volunteering at events when his mum was officiating and enjoyed being able to support other athletes taking part by helping out.

He decided to start training to be an official so he can help ensure there will always be officials available to allow competitions to go ahead. He has recently qualified as a Level 1 Track Judge and will be balancing officiating with competing over the summer.

Fraser is a busy guy right now with GCSE revision to fit in around his athletics, but says:

“Getting out training and volunteering at events on weekends is a nice break from all the revision. I enjoy seeing other young athletes competing on the track whilst I’m volunteering, especially in all the different events.”

Fraser hopes to keep both competing and volunteering in athletics. 

Zoe Holloway, Officials & Volunteer Coordinator added: 

“It’s great to see Fraser starting his journey as an official. It would be excellent to see more younger people getting involved as a volunteer alongside their athletics. 

 

As it’s Volunteer Week I would like to highlight the wide variety of volunteering happening all year round in Wales - from coaching on a club night, officiating at a competition, marshalling on a race, meeting on a committee, leading a group run, club management, team managing… and many more!

 

If you’re a parent/guardian, family member, friend, student, former/current athlete or you want to get involved in Athletics for the first time please get in touch and we can get you started on your volunteering journey…

 

You’re welcome to come along try different roles until you find what you enjoy most. So come along give it a go!” 

If you’d like to find out more about opportunities to be involved in helping out as a volunteer or training to become an official, please email Zoe Holloway – zoe.holloway@welshathletics.org and there is more information on here - Officiating (welshathletics.org) - and more about Volunteering opportunities here - Volunteering (welshathletics.org)