PAT BOWLED OVER BY GRATITUDE
PAT Reely is the heart and soul of Club Helensvale.
For more than 10 years now Reely has been volunteering up to seven days a week at the bowls club after moving to the Coast from NSW in 2004.
After sussing out a few other clubs, Reely said the “vibe” at Helensvale sealed her green and yellow fate.
From manning the bar to serving as umpires and officials co-ordinator and even helping Helensvale organise the World Bowls Championships, the club has become a family for Reely, whose real family is based in north Queensland.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed either.
This week marks National Volunteer Week and the AIS has encouraged athletes to recognise a volunteer who played a significant role in their career.
Local lawn bowls athlete, Commonwealth Gold medallist and bowls manager at Club Helensvale Lynsey Clarke didn’t have to look any further than her friend, teammate and colleague.
“Without her (Pat’s) support and hard work our ability to run successful world class events at the club wouldn’t be possible,” Clarke said.
“I’d be lost without her! “I think most clubs will have a ‘Pat’ in their midst – someone who’s at the club six days a week, puts their hand up for every role, and isn’t afraid to get in there and do the hard yakka. We’re pretty lucky to have her.”
The duo aren’t only club associates but also six-time Helensvale club fours team champions and 2010 state championship-winning teammates.
“She treats me like family and so my heartfelt thanks go to Lynsey for nominating me,” Reely said.
“I’m happy to do it and able to do it.
“I’m happy to help in any way shape or form but I never consider it as a duty, it’s always my pleasure.”
I’D BE LOST WITHOUT HER (PAT) … WE’RE PRETTY LUCKY TO HAVE HER.
LYNSEY CLARKE