Phoebe’s dedication rewarded
Volunteering to timekeep and take race notes is not the way most 9-year-old girls spend their Saturdays, but Phoebe Riddle loves it.
The Amesbury School student was awarded a certificate for volunteering at 25 out of 34 races for Porirua parkrun.
Member Astrid Van MeeuwenDijkgraaf said Phoebe’s dedication was very impressive.
‘‘Nobody has volunteered as often,’’ she said.
Phoebe said it felt good to be awarded for her hard work. ‘‘I felt really happy,’’ she said. She started helping out after attending the Saturday runs with her father, mother and 11-year-old brother.
The family takes part every Saturday and Phoebe said they have only missed a few. ‘‘It’s a fun way to help out.’’ Phoebe’s duties include timekeeping and scanning runners’ barcodes.
But she is most excited about her upcoming role as race director at a junior race. ‘‘I like to call it the big cheese.’’ Phoebe, a keen swimmer, has run the race twice, but said she preferred volunteering.
‘‘Having all the runners smile when they come in makes you feel good to be helping out.’’
Her father, Ian Riddle, said he was very proud of his daughter. ‘‘ She has never complained.’’
He said Phoebe was very responsible. ‘‘You can give her something to do and she will do it well.’’
Porirua parkrun has up to 70 people involved in its weekly races. They are held every Saturday at Bothamley Park at 8am.