Help choose Gold Coast’s greatest sports volunteer

Ten finalists have been chosen after dozens of people were nominated to be named the Gold Coast’s greatest sports volunteer. Now it’s time to choose the winner.

The Bulletin is looking to find the Gold Coast’s greatest sports volunteer.

THE Bulletin put out the call to find the Gold Coast’s best sports volunteer and our readers responded with aplomb.

We have selected 10 finalists based on your recommendations, with Bulletin members now able to vote in a special poll to choose the overall winner.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Readers have until 6pm on Monday to vote.

It’s up to you to decide.

In no particular order, here are the Gold Coast’s top 10 sports volunteers as nominated by you.

JUNIOR JUNZ RIKIAU, ROBINA RAPTORS JNR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB

Nominated by Amalija Mya Lozi

“I vote Junior Junz Rikiau, Robina Raptors. He’s been such an inspiration to our boys and has helped guide them in the best possible way. They have grown so much as a team as well as individuals this season and that’s all thanks to the amazing support they’ve had by him and the assistant coaches Ray and Leigh Singleton. They are such strong role models for our boys.”

FAYE AND TERRY LARKINS, RUNAWAY BAY ATHLETICS CLUB

Nominated by: Alana Brown

Although not having children at our club for many years now these two are on 40 years of service to us this year. They do absolutely amazing work to keep our little club running with training, results, records and the amazing memories our kids leave with. They really do deserve to be nominated. Thank you Faye and Terry.

KEN MATHEWS, SOUTHPORT SHARKS JUNIOR AFL CLUB

Nominated by: Kimberley Wyman

Ken Mathews. Sharks Junior AFL Club lifetime member. Spends every day contributing to the club, the teams, the players, supporting each and every person affiliated with the club, and what is truly amazing is his fantastic relationship he develops with the kids/young men who often need someone to listen to their problems. He is known across all clubs on the coast. The time he gives to this club is unbelievable.

SHANE BARNES, RUNAWAY BAY SOCCER CLUB

Nominated by: Rachel Barnes

Shane Barnes has been a volunteer coach at Runaway Bay Soccer Club for 7 years. Currently coaching under 9’s and under 12’s for our youngest boys after coaching our oldest for 6 years.

Despite his cancer he still turned up to training every week sometimes after vomiting all day. But having said that the Runaway Bay Soccer Club and his boys’ teams gave him purpose and friendship when he needed it the most.

ALEX WELLS, GOLD COAST INCLUSIVE SPORTS

Nominated by: Lisa Freeman Wells

Alex Wells from Gold Coast Inclusive Sports. She started this 4 years ago so kids of all abilities could play sport in a safe inclusive environment. She volunteers and coaches at every session and now with over 50 volunteers and 60 athletes the program is running strong and she is working on a business model and hoping to start more programs on the Coast very soon so that more children of a different ability can enjoy sport.

SHELDON SIMPSON, PALM BEACH SOCCER CLUB

Nominated by: Sam White Petworth

Under 13 Div 1 coach Sheldon Simpson goes above and beyond for the Palm Beach Soccer Club. Absolute legend, admired by all of his kids and families. Passionate, patient, calm, encouraging, supportive and gives the kids confidence in themselves and their skills. The best, thank you Sheldon.

TANAMI HILL, SURFERS PARADISE AFL CLUB

Nominated by: Karen Lowe

Tanami Hill, U15g girls at Surfers Paradise AFL club, sets up for game day from 6:30am, packs away at the end of the day at 5pm, runs water for U16s, u13s and our women’s team, umpires the u6s to u11s, sells meat tray tickets, picks up rubbish, cleans the changerooms. Anything that needs doing Tanami does it without question and also looks after the siblings while parents watch their kids play AFL.

NGAWAI HEPI, INSTINCT NETBALL AND TOUCH

Nominated by: Penny Williams

This lady is one of a kind, her dedication towards her club is outstanding. Ngawai looks after adults as well as junior teams in netball and is now starting a football club. She puts so much of her own time into our club purely to ensure each team get the most enjoyment possible from the game and goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome.

SHARON SAXBY, BURLEIGH BEARS JNR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB

Nominated by: Jodie Gilbert

Burleigh Bears JRL wouldn’t function without all the amazing things this lady does. She doesn’t wear a cap but she’s certainly a Wonder Woman that’s for sure.

STEVE LANGLEY, GOLD COAST LITTLE ATHLETICS

Nominated by: Nicole Hoy

Most definitely goes above and beyond. So dedicated and highly respected.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE