MP aims to boost town sports clubs (From Swindon Advertiser)

MP aims to boost town sports clubs

9:00pm Friday 17th August 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to ensure the London Olympics 2012 leaves a lasting legacy in Swindon.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has been invited by Volunteer Centre Swindon and the Swindon Sports Forum to become a sports ambassador for the borough and champion volunteering in sport.

Yesterday Justin was joined by representatives from both organisations for a visit to Esprit Gymnastics Club, which has 70 volunteers at the heart of the club.

Justin said: “It is essential we tap in to the huge post-Olympics sporting enthusiasm.

“No sports club would wish to turn away a potential new member, but they can only offer as many places as there are volunteers to help out.

“If we can encourage more sports volunteers in Swindon, not only can our local clubs thrive, we can all enjoy the sports opportunities our town offers and secure Swindon’s own Olympic legacy.”

Esprit chairman Mark Hows said volunteers were the life-blood of local sports clubs and play a vital role in the delivery, organisation and administration of sports clubs.

“Basically, we couldn’t survive without our volunteers,” he said.

Working together, Justin, Swindon Sports Forum and Volunteer Centre Swindon will create a database of all 450 sports clubs in the borough and all the volunteering opportunities available so volunteers can be matched to the most suitable vacancy.

Justin said: “The Olympics has just got everybody so interested in sport but not everybody is going to be able to start a sport and suddenly set a new world record, but they can still make a difference for others.”

Sue Dunmore, the manager at Volunteer Centre Swindon, said: “The Olympics would not have been the success they were without the support of the many thousands of games makers. “This is the ideal opportunity for people to discover how they can support local sports clubs through volunteering their time.

“We are delighted that Justin has volunteered to champion volunteering in sport.”

Whether it's washing kits, driving children to matches or running the club's accounts, there are many ways you can help.

Alternatively, if you are a sports club looking for volunteers, Volunteer Centre Swindon can help you to promote your opportunities.

If you are interested in volunteering in sport, contact Louise Hallett, Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email lou @swindonvolunteers. .uk.