THEY only do it for the love of the game.
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Beth Shea and Yvonne ‘Toot’ Keegan modestly accepted Central West Volunteer Sporting Spirit highly commended awards on Wednesday, and both said acknowledgement was unnecessary.
The award is a NSW Sport and Recreation initiative to recognise the importance of volunteers to grassroots level sport.
Over 30 of the region’s most dedicated sporting volunteers were nominated for the award, with Forbes’ Robyn Kenny (netball) and Parkes’ Wal Norman (harness racing) taking out first and second respectively.
Shea was singled out for her work with the Western Region Academy of Sport, while Keegan was rewarded for her ongoing effort with the Orange Netball Association.
Blayney District Tennis Club’s Cheryl Rutherford was also awarded a highly commended.
“You only do it because you love it so much,” Keegan said.
“People are nearly pushing me out of the way to help these days.”
“What you get back is getting to see people you’ve worked with achieve things,” Shea added.
“Sometimes I look at sportspeople, like those at the Hockey World League recently, and hope somewhere along the line I’ve helped them in some way to get there. It’s a great reward to get, but I’m right there with Toot, we only do it because we love it.”
WRAS representative Bron Coleman said she couldn’t think of two more deserving people.
“They’ve been outstanding volunteers for their organisations and varied roles for a significant number of years,” she said.
“Toot (Keegan) has been involved in Orange netball for many, many years. I remember looking at the executive board at the old Moulder Park clubhouse, and seeing the name Yvonne Keegan dominate every role possible.
“Beth is the go-to person for the WRAS staff if something needs fixing, changing or clarifying.”