2009 Volunteer of the Year Awards
London, 05/02/09 - Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB) is a volunteer-driven charity providing year-round sports training and competition for all people with learning disabilities. It is ready to celebrate the 2nd Special Olympics GB Volunteer of the Year Awards.
According to Karen Wallin, CEO, “there are currently over 2600 dedicated volunteers across Great Britain who ensure the programme takes place on a day to day basis. Whether as a coach, mentor, driver or kit washer, without their support there would be no Special Olympics. It’s great that they can be recognised for their tremendous efforts through our Volunteer Awards.”
This year the Awards Ceremony are hosted by Baroness Ann Taylor at the House of Commons and recognizes the passion and participation of SOGB volunteers. Honoured guests include SOGB Chairman Lawrie McMenemy MBE, Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw MP, and SOGB Ambassadors Olympic canoeist Anna Hemmings MBE, and extreme kayaker Shaun Baker. The awards categories include Athlete Volunteer, Young Volunteer, Newcomer, Corporate, Sports Coach and Outstanding Contribution.
The judges for the awards were AD Durnin, Volunteer Director 2009 SOGB National Summer Games, Leicester; Jay Popat, National Development Officer Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball; Andrew Allen, Lead Coordinator for Learning Disability Lions Club International (MD105); Greg Sylvester,Special Olympics GB Athlete and Coach; Mark Pickles, Shared Services Business Change Manager National Grid and part of National Grid Mentoring Scheme.
The awards ceremony will take place in the House of Commons on Monday 8th February 2010.