2020 National Volunteer Award recipients announced

Over the past week, Table Tennis Australia (TTA) has recognised the achievements of its hard-working and high-achieving table tennis volunteers, through the 2020 National Volunteer Awards.

Now in its third year, the National Volunteer Awards have traditionally been presented at a ceremony. Due to Covid-19, the Awards recipients were recognised this year with personalised tributes online. 

Videos can be viewed here.

TTA Chief Executive Scott Houston said that although volunteers are driven by their love of the sport, the Awards are a great way to show thanks to the heart and soul of the Australian table tennis community.

“Our volunteers are the life-blood of our great sport and we could not function effectively without the diligent work of Committee Members, administrators, officials, parents and supporters who are so passionate and contribute significant time,” Houston said.

“Recruiting, retaining and recognising volunteers is an important part of TTA’s Strategic Plan and  the Awards provide  the perfect vehicle to enable this. Moreover, it’s simply the right thing to do.

“We want to recognise and celebrate these individuals, clubs and associations, and make them feel appreciated for their commitment to table tennis.  On behalf of TTA, I’d like to congratulate our recipients and we hope to see them continue their efforts so our community can continue to thrive.”

The National Volunteer Awards also include the coveted Bev and Brian James Trophy for Australian Volunteer of the Year Award, which was this year won by Rosanna Horn OAM. Horn has been involved in the sport and has worked tirelessly to promote para table tennis and engage children through schools and community outreach programs for more than 30 years. Horn was awarded her OAM earlier this year for her services to the sport.

“This year we recognised some truly great people in our community, including Rosanna Horn OAM, who is an incredibly special member of our community” said TTA National Participation and Development Coordinator Egon Loh.

“In addition to Rosanna, we also wanted to highlight the achievements of another eight individuals who have volunteered their services for more than 25 Years, and as such we awarded the 25 Years of Service to Table Tennis Award to Claire Montgomery, Greg Bristowe, Rosanna and Inh Van Le, and 50 Years of Service to Table Tennis Award to Mick McShane, Pam Tait, Ken Sands and Arthur Wilks OAM.

“It’s been fantastic to reflect on the contributions of these particular members. Each of them are real cornerstones of our community and we’re truly grateful to be able to recognise them.”

2020 National Volunteer Award recipients:

•    Bev and Brian James Trophy for the Australian Volunteer of the Year – Rosanna Horn OAM

•    Club / Association of the Year – Townsville Table Tennis Association

•    Young Official of the Year – Sam Miller

•    Fran Keyhoe Official of the Year – Neil Montfort

•    Administrator of the Year – Mark Groves

•    25 Years of Service to Table Tennis:

·          Claire Montgomery

·          Greg Bristowe

·          Rosanna Horn OAM

·          Inh Van Le

•    50 Years of Service to Table Tennis:

·          Mick McShane

·          Pam Tait

·          Ken Sands

·          Arthur Wilks OAM