Long-time volleyball volunteer Scott Leary tonight won the prestigious Mike Stidwell medal for outstanding sports volunteering in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.
The presentation was made in Albany at a Volunteer Recognition Sundowner held in partnership with the Albany & Regional Volunteer Service.
The annual award was presented by Jill Stidwell on behalf of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The medal honours the memory of the department’s former Regional Manager Mike Stidwell and his selfless and long-term contribution to sport and recreation in the region.
The award was hotly contested with 13 outstanding sports volunteers nominated.
Scott is a life member and former treasurer of the Albany Volleyball Association and has undertaken numerous roles with the association over the past 26 years.
These include being treasurer for more than 20 years, a referee, national event tournament director, committee member and special committee member.
He also helped increase the profile of volleyball in Albany by bringing elite-level games to the region.
Behind the scenes, he contributed by refining administration processes, governance restructuring, helping develop two constitutions, and increasing the Albany Volleyball Association’s financial security through grants and sponsorship.
As stated by Sport and Recreation and Volunteering Minister Mick Murray:
“I congratulate Scott for his many, many contributions to volleyball over the years.
“He is regarded as a crucial part of the game in the Great Southern and has a reputation of having a buoyant, uplifting personality and being the ultimate team player.
“His passion for the sport and unstinting generosity are an example to all sports volunteers, not just in the Great Southern, but across Western Australia.
“Volunteers are the backbone of community sport and Scott’s efforts are a shining example of how people can make a positive difference in their community.”
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
“The people of Albany have a strong volunteering spirit that contributes so much to our many community and emergency services groups.
“It makes our community safer, brings a helping hand to people in need, builds community purpose and a sense of belonging.
“Volunteering is also good for you by keeping you mentally stimulated, physically active, making new friends, and by participating in a range of different activities.”
