Karting Volunteers - Everyday People, Extraordinary Contribution

AKA press release

Each and every time a karting Event is held in Australia there are no less than 30 volunteers working behind the scenes to assist in providing the opportunity for members of the Australian Karting Association (AKA) to race.

These volunteers come from all walks of life, experience, age and professional qualifications while all working in different roles for the benefit of karting in Australia.

Above: There are 800 accredited officials, along with the thousands of committee members and other volunteers involved in the sport of karting across the country.
pic - photowagon.com.au

With this week (May 11–17, 2009) being National Volunteer Week the AKA would like to take the opportunity to recognise the efforts, time and dedication of the 800 accredited officials, along with the thousands of committee members and other volunteers involved in the sport across the country.

“Without volunteers our sport simply wouldn’t be able to function properly and I’d like to take this opportunity in National Volunteer Week to thank each and every one of our volunteers for their contribution to our sport,” said AKA President Richard Erdmann.

“At any race meeting across the country the are up to 30 volunteers working behind the scenes with this number increasing to the vicinity of 75 when it comes to National Championships.

“It should also be recognised that the efforts of all of our volunteers not just this week but all throughout the year, so I suggest the next time a racer sees someone volunteering their time to benefit the sport a simple word of thanks will go a long way.”

One volunteer who spends much of his time dedicated to the sport of karting is Queenslander Chris Robinson.

Robinson has been involved in the sport for over 15 years, as a racer early in his career before turning his hand to officiating ten years ago.

“I was the President of the Gold Coast Club during the mid nineties as well as a racing but after an accident in 1998 I turned my hand to officiating,” said Robinson, who has now officiated at over 200 race meetings across Australia.

“I just love the sport of karting and really enjoy working with the karters from all across the country. I’ve now officiated at four National Championships, a dozen State Championships and will also be the Chief Steward for the upcoming Rotax Pro Tour - I just love it.

“My philosophy on what I do is that every driver deserves the same rights to the trophy, everyone deserves a fair go – no matter who you are.

“A lot of karters forget the amount of people who are involved in running a meeting, all of these officials, race secretaries, flag marshals etc have given up their time to provide everyone with a good race meeting.”

The thousands of volunteers in the AKA are among a group of five million people volunteer in community and sporting programs across the country.

Australian volunteers are essential to society, and many charities would struggle to survive without the support of their volunteers. Australian volunteers contribute more than 700 million hours of community service to so many areas of society, including community health care, heritage and arts, environment conservation, emergency services, education, social justice and sports.

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