Volunteers are the lifeblood of any successful sporting community.
In Williams Lake, those sentiments are no different as hundreds of adults step into mentorship, managerial and other positions to ensure our youth can enjoy the benefits of sport.
The Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association, for example, houses 1,000 players.
Rob Tazelaar, administrator for the WLYSA, said there would be no soccer without volunteers.
“Without the work of volunteers our association wouldn’t exist and there would be no soccer for kids in our area,” Tazelaar said.
“Volunteers make a difference to our community.”
Chad Webb, the head coach of the Williams Lake Blue Fins, said his club hosts two home swim meets during the year where 40 parents step up to help them be possible.
“We have 10 to 15 constant volunteers through the year working as board members and club co-ordinators,” Webb said.
“Without these positive people, our programs would not be successful. They are behind the scenes and the heart and soul of organizations that are often some of the busiest people in the community.”
He also noted it’s a small segment of the population who choose to use their time to help out other organizations.
“It is this 10 per cent that do 90 per cent of the work to keep programs running,” he said.
“The most remarkable thing about them is their thankless daily commitment to making change in a positive direction.”