Local unsung hero up for award

IN honour of her contribution to the disability sport sector, local resident, Alana Baldi has been announced as one of three finalists for Volunteer of the Year at the 2018 Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards.

In the last 12 months Alana as volunteered as a Special Olympics Victoria carer for the Victorian track and field team, Special Olympics Australia winter sport snow camps carer, as the Shepparton Youth Club United All Abilities team coach and as a Cricket Victoria assistant coach for the Victorian Vikings (team for cricketers with intellectual disabilities). She also volunteered as a Cricket Australia A Sport for All ambassador, GV Harmony Cup committee member, running a Cricket Cup in Shepparton for cricketers with intellectual disabilities, as an AFL ambassador for the Melbourne football club (engaging people with disabilities to attend football matches and participate in football) and as a GV Stars volunteer- Shepparton All Abilities Football Team (AFL).

Disability Sport & Recreation CEO, Richard Amon said, “These awards are an opportunity to discover unsung heroes and rising stars and celebrate what is truly great about accessible and inclusive sport.

“I could not be prouder of the athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, administrators, clubs and organisations that have shown what achievement and success looks like at every level.”

Alana said, “It’s very humbling. I was a bit shocked when I got the nomination but it’s nice to know that the work I’m doing in the community is making a difference to the lives of those with a disability.”

Winners will be announced at an invitation only awards ceremony to be held on August 1 at Southbank.