SDD deserves award for its achievements

CHATS with Mick Smith are rarely short.

In just a few short weeks, a few hundred people, myself included, will have the pleasure of listening to one of Mick’s big speeches at the annual Sports Darling Downs awards night.

The SDD president is a passionate man – very giving of his time and an extremely hard worker.

He is also very proud of what SDD has achieved, and he should be.

SDD is responsible for creating, shaping and supporting countless athletes at the local, state and national level right through to Games (Commonwealth and Olympic) and international stars.

SDD has also supported countless sporting organisations, teams, officials and volunteers for many years.

Thanks to Mick, his team and the generosity of local businesses, more than $1 million has been donated to help people pursue their sporting dreams.

And here’s the big kicker – all Mick and SDD ask for in return are a few very minor commitments and a “thanks”.

Attend the quarterly breakfast, if you can, receive your award and say thanks.

A small speech, including that all important thank you, is required if you’re a major award winner, and that’s it.

Sitting through one of Mick’s speeches and posing for award presentation photos (I have to do that from time to time) is a small price to pay, if you ask me.

I know for a fact there are athletes who would not have competed at major competitions were it not for the support of SDD.

In other cases, some athletes were able to “give more 0f themselves” after SDD support helped them achieve a better balance between work, life and sporting commitments.

SDD is without doubt the best volunteer sports organisation I know and they will always have my support.