Donna Keith makes waves as a volunteer at swimming events at the Hawkesbury

DONNA Keith does not think much of spending most of her weekends and several week nights officiating at swimming events throughout the year.

Junior Sports Star Service to Sport nominee Donna Keith at the Hawkesbury Oasis YMCA pool where she officiates at many meets. Pictures: Justin Sanson

• Tayla on the right path to success
• Why Sarah Olsen is having an awesome year
• I will never forget Muhammed Ali

DONNA Keith does not think much of spending most of her weekends and several week nights officiating at swimming events throughout the year.

The Windsor mother of three says she was never a competitive swimmer but without her effort and input, many of the competitions will lack quality refereeing, officiating and all those other duties which have to be done to keep these events afloat.

Keith, who is our nominee for Junior Sports Star Service to Sport Award, said despite the long hours, she enjoys her volunteer work.

Donna Keith loves her volunteering work.

“I began helping out when my youngest son Jarryd began competitive swimming about 10 years ago,” the 50-year-old Keith said.

“Sitting there for hours you get bored as some days you can be at the pool from 7.30am to 6pm, so I decided I will rather help out at the meets.

“I now do all aspects of officiating including being the referee at several swimming events at Hawkesbury, including most school meets, and also at the national championships.

Hawkesbury Sports Official of the Year Donna Keith with Paralympian Kathryn Ross and deputy Hawkesbury mayor Warwick Mackay at the awards night.

“We pretty much do everything at these meets and I also help at the multi-class events for special needs people as it’s wonderful seeing them enjoy themselves.”

Recently, Keith was awarded the Sports Official of the Year prize by Hawkesbury Council for her work through the years.

“It was humbling for me to win the Hawkesbury award,” Keith said.

“I did learn swimming when I was a child but never got into competitive swimming like my son.

Donna Keith said she began volunteering at meets because her son Jarryd (above) was a competitive swimmer.

“I think volunteering is good and it’s a good community spirit we have.”

Keith also helps her husband David with their home-based mortgage franchise in-between ensuring that Jarryd is driven to his swimming commitments.

President of her Swimwest Swimming Club, Steve Francis paid tribute to Keith who won the 2016 Official of the Year award in the Hawkesbury sporting honours.

“Donna is a very good ambassador for the sport and people like her make a difference to sports in general,” Francis said.

“Volunteers don’t get paid but spend so much time and have a keen interest in the sport.”

■ The Junior Sports Star awards are proudly sponsored by Rebel.

■ To nominate someone you know, visit: www. juniorsports star.com.au