On the final day of Volunteer Week, we want to extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer across our region. Your commitment, energy, and generosity are the foundation of our sport and the wider community. Whether on pool deck, behind the scenes, or supporting events, your impact is truly invaluable.
To finish Volunteer Week, we are also proud to shine a spotlight on one more outstanding volunteer from our region. Their dedication, time, and passion continue to make a real difference, helping ensure our athletes, clubs, and events can thrive.
Nadia Kopec – Club Secretary
I have been volunteering for the past three years on the committee at Bedford Swim Squad. I first joined as Workforce Secretary and I am now part of the Executive Committee as Secretary.
I originally decided to volunteer because I wanted to support the club, but I knew I wouldn’t always be available at galas to officiate or team manage, especially as I also had a younger child to look after. As my daughter began swimming as well, I felt able to take on a bigger role and stepped into the position of Secretary.
What I enjoy most about volunteering is being able to support the club, coaches and swimmers from behind the scenes. It is a real team effort, and I like knowing that I am helping swimmers achieve what they work so hard for. It can be a roller coaster at times and a challenge, but it is very rewarding to be part of that support system.
The skills I have gained through volunteering also link well with my working life. As a business owner, I already have skills that help me in my role as Secretary, but working within a committee made up mainly of self-employed executive members has also helped me develop my business and managerial skills further, which I can apply in my own businesses.
What keeps me coming back is knowing that I am contributing to something meaningful. When I first took on the Workforce role, I felt I was helping to ease the load on others. Now, as Secretary, especially during a period of change within the club, it feels rewarding to be part of the team working to rebuild and strengthen the club and help it become even better than before.
For anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say it is fun and a great way to be part of a team while contributing to the day-to-day running of the club. Committee roles can often fit around other commitments and allow people to contribute in a less visible but very important way. Officiating and team managing roles require more involvement on gala days, but very little between events, so there really is something to suit everyone. Many parents and guardians already have skills that can support the club, and there are usually opportunities to contribute within your comfort zone. Every role, no matter how small, makes a real difference to the running and success of the club.
If you’ve been inspired this week and are interested in getting involved, please contact your club to find out how you can support aquatic sport in your area. There’s always a role for anyone willing to help.