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02/10/2024 00:00, In Blog /

Volunteers and officials are core to delivering competitions across Wales. On Saturday, we celebrated many of the great individuals who give so much to our sport.

The Newcomer to Officiating was won by Fraser Higginson.

Fraser is affiliated with Bridgend AC. Before turning 16 Fraser began volunteering at events alongside his mum Mari when she was officiating. Fraser enjoyed being able to support other athletes taking part by helping out. So, Fraser decided to start training to become an official so he can help ensure there will always be officials available to allow competitions to go ahead.

Earlier this year Fraser qualified as Level 1 Track Judge Official. Although still a competitive race walk athlete Fraser finds time to officiate in and around his events. Fraser is a likeable, enthusiastic official and fits in well with the Track Judging team as well as other disciplines.

Fraser has also volunteered in off track events with his Mum at the Podium 5k road event marshalling back-to-back years. Also, this year Fraser became a Welsh Athletics Young Athletics Ambassador.

This summer Fraser has balanced his training, competing, officiating and revising / completing his GCSE exams.

Fraser has a bright future ahead as a Track Judge. We hope other athletes will be inspired by Fraser as young officials are very much needed within the Officiating family.

Fraser celebrating the Newcomer to Officiating award.

The Official of the Year was won by Rob Hooper & Chris Price.

Rob Hooper is affiliated with Cardiff Athletics Club. After retiring from competing as a middle-distance runner, Rob has dedicated around 30 years coaching at Cardiff Athletics. All his athletes appreciate his dedication to athletics and his good sense of humour. Rob travels from Monmouthshire to Cardiff to coach.

Also, Rob gives a lot of his free time to the sport of Athletics by officiating. Rob has been a constant member of the Start team for well over 10 years. Working himself steadily up to a Level 4 Starter/Starter Assistant in January 2024. You will see Rob happily officiate at any level from U11's to the Seniors at British Championships. Rob is always happy to pass advise & knowledge to other members of the Start team from his experience in gaining his Level 4. Rob and his wife Sue a starter assistant travel around the country to start races.

Rob Hooper being awarded Official of the Year by Welsh Athletics Chair Steve Perks.

Chris Price is affiliated with Cwmbran Harriers / Cardiff Athletics Club. Chris is a Level 4 Field official who goes the extra mile officiating at various local club, Welsh Athletics and British Athletics events. Chris is a well-respected official and when not officiating for Cwmbran Harriers he officiates for Cardiff Athletics in the National Athletics League.

Chris got involved as a parent, his children Marcus and Amy were junior members of Cwmbran Harriers growing up. Chris began officiating in 2005, Chris worked his way up to Level 4 in 2017. Both his children became officials with Amy following her dad’s footsteps by becoming a field judge official and working her way up to Level 4 too. Chris is regularly selected to officiate at UKA events. Chris is a valuable member of the Welsh field team regularly chosen to be Clerk of Course or Technical Manager role.

Chris officiating at a Welsh Athletics Indoor Championships.

Bernie Jones won the Volunteer of the Year award.

Bernie is affiliated with North Wales Cross Country / Cheshire Dragons / Wrexham AC. Bernie is "Mr. Cross Country" in North Wales. For over 20 years he has been North Wales Cross Country League Referee, officiating at every fixture during that time. For the past 10 years Bernie has taken on the role of League Secretary he has developed the results system and introduced chip timing. Bernie’s also undertakes the Treasurer role. He organises everything from fixtures, venues, results and presentations. Bernie has been the Cross-Country Secretary for Wrexham AC since 2000.

Bernie is well known for his race announcing duties. Also, Bernie regularly adjudicates road races. As well as being a Level 3 Endurance official, Bernie organises running sessions for his club, he has also developed an Old Boys Running Club, which is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of older runners, male or female. Runners are welcomed for refreshments afterwards and to other social events and this has had a positive impact on a number of people who were suffering from depression or other mental ill health issues.

Over the past two years Bernie has been instrumental in developing the Masters International programme which has seen over 300 athletes represent their country, many of them for the first time. Prior to the Welsh Athletics Masters programme Bernie had been Welsh Masters Cross Country Team Manager for nearly 20 years.

Bernie has also volunteered at major events Commonwealth Games, World Outdoor & Indoor Athletic Championships as well as the World Cross Country Championships.

Bernie Jones celebrating his Volunteer of the Year award.

Steve Hames was awarded the Services to Club Development award.

Steve has been Chair of Neath Harriers for an extended period and throughout that time has shown unwavering dedication and commitment to supporting the development of both the junior and senior sections. Steve consistently goes above and beyond, sacrificing his time to ensure that athletes and volunteers have everything they need to succeed. From organising team events to volunteering at meetings as well as providing mentoring and guidance. Steve's passion for athletics is evident in all that he does, and his positive attitude and approach makes him an invaluable asset to Neath Harriers. Steve is also a committed official for both on and off-track competitions supporting West Wales and Welsh Athletics events.

Steve Hames celebrating his Services to Club Development award.

Zoe Holloway, Officials and Volunteer Coordinator shared:

“I would like to congratulate all winners, on their very well-deserved recognition and most importantly thank you for your time devoted and passion given to the sport as you are all instrumental in supporting athletics across Wales”.

Llongyfarchiadau enfawr!