Little Athletics veteran volunteer recognised for helping local kids shine

HE has been there to support countless young athletes on their journeys — and now Randwick Botany Little Athletics club veteran volunteer Rolly Jennings is being recognised for his role.

Rolly Jennings has been a volunteer with Randwick Botany Little Athletics club for the past 17 years, with his three daughters having competed with the club. Mr Jennings’ youngest Rose (pictured) is still part of the under 17's. Picture: Craig Wilson

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HE has been there to support countless young athletes on their journeys — and now Randwick Botany Little Athletics club veteran volunteer Rolly Jennings is being recognised for his role.

Mr Jennings started with the club 17 years ago when his eldest daughter Kate started competing there, with his first role being age marshall for Kate’s group.

“They were a great group of athletes — one of them was Gabi Simpson who is now captain of the QLD Firebirds netball team — I enjoyed watching the kids grow up,” he said.

“It’s been really exciting ... just to see them win a medal makes me happy because a lot of them work really hard — I get a kick out of that.”

Mr Jennings watched his other daughters Lisa and Rose compete and serve as club captain, with Rose still competing in the under 17s.

Now 70, he’s also served as the club’s Maroubra house captain and as a committee member, before taking on his current role of equipment officer.

Mr Jennings said being an age marshall has been one of his proudest jobs at the club. Picture: Craig Wilson

He’s known around the Little A’s as being the first to arrive to set things up for the kids every Saturday morning at Heffron, and among the last to leave, but is humble about his dedication.

“I don’t think of it that way — it’s a job that’s got to be done, and the guys that do it are all helpful,” he said.

Mr Jennings is equally as bashful about being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the club at its recent presentation day, and being Southern Courier’s first Service to Sport nominee for the 2017 Local Sports Star Awards.

“I didn’t know what to say — I didn’t expect it but it’s a nice gesture,” he said.

“I just do what I have to do more or less, and it’s a pleasure to do it.”

After suffering some health problems, Mr Jennings will wrap up with Randwick Botany at the end of this year, and club president Tony Vecellio said he would be missed.

“The club is made up of people who do their share and more, and Rolly will be a great loss for us,” Mr Vecellio said.

“People like him make doing the job worthwhile ... we hope he’ll still drop in and see us from time to time.”

To nominate a Local Sports Star, click here.