This week is National Volunteers' Week and British Triathlon in the West Midlands would like to issue a huge THANK YOU to all of its volunteers across the region – Shropshire, Staffordshire, Birmingham, the Black Country, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Every single one of you – from event marshals and run or ride leaders to treasurers and club coaches make our sport tick week in and week out, rain or shine. Without you the sport would not happen for thousands of triathletes across the region.
Fleur Green is a shining light of what volunteering in the West Midlands region is all about.
Mum of two Fleur runs her own business, volunteers at the local triathlon club and runs two women-only cycling sessions a week at Curborough Sprint Track in Lichfield – particularly geared towards beginners. She has also played a key role in supporting the triathlon regional manager with women’s participation activity.
Fleur is an amazing asset to triathlon in the West Midlands along with so many of you.
When asked what she was most proud of or what her biggest success was, she said: “The cycling sessions I set up last year in Lichfield have been a huge success. I have been able to help more and more women to gain confidence and skills in cycling.
“I am also very proud of my involvement in the beginner triathlon training sessions we set up with British Triathlon and Friary Grange Leisure Centre where we had more than 40 women attending - numbers that way surpassed our original expectations.
“Hearing the stories the women had to tell of what brought them to triathlon and then being part of their journey through the training and seeing them compete in their first ever mini event, and then cross the finish line – it’s a feeling you just cannot put into words.
“Helping these women to break down barriers which have prevented them taking part in sport, then seeing them develop and blossom and achieve their goal no matter how small is truly rewarding.
You don’t have to be a huge fan of a sport or take part in it to be a volunteer, but it is a great way to give something back to the sport if you are.
Fleur said: “Helping out at an event could give you an insight into a sport you maybe didn't know much about and may even encourage you to have a go one day.
“For someone who has competed before, to volunteer means you are there for your love and passion of the sport and to help others. You can offer help and advice from your experience, but you can also gain further insight into the sport as a volunteer as you get a behind the scenes view and helps you to appreciate what goes into organising an event,” she added.
