Celebrating our volunteers in sport

Volunteers play a vital role in Guernsey sport and this week is National Volunteers Week – a time to recognise and thank volunteers.

Throughout the week the Guernsey Sports Commission will be acknowledging and celebrating just a few of the amazing people who give up their time and share their experience for the benefit of sport.

Amanda Benwell has been volunteering with Guernsey Mobility Let’s Go for around 8 years. She gives up her lunch hour once a week to help out at the activity group which is currently based at St Martin’s Parish Hall.

‘Mel my sister was one of the original founders of the group and she said come along and help,’ explained Amanda.

‘I love every minute of it!’

The group brings together adults with physical and/or learning impairments and pupils from St Martin’s Primary School. The children help out with fun games of Boccia and other activities supported by volunteers such as Amanda.

‘It makes me realise that however bad my day is, these guys never let their difficulties get them down.

‘I leave here like I’m floating on air,’ she said.

Amanda’s employer is really supportive of her volunteering.

‘I just take an extra hour for lunch and make up the time during the week,’ says Amanda who works for a local insurance company.

She likes working with one member of the activity group in particular.

‘I really enjoy working with Jack, even though he doesn’t really speak we understand each other and he really loves basketball.’

Guernsey Mobility Let’s Go relies entirely on volunteers to run the sessions and they are keen to be able to expand their offering with the right help and support.

‘I would recommend it to anybody,’ said Amanda.

‘They should do it because it’s just so rewarding, it’s great fun and you feel like you’ve really achieved something.’

For further information visit https://gmlg.org.gg/

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