Stalwart finalist in volunteer awards

A DUNEDIN man has been named among the country’s top sporting volunteers.

Peter Gibbons was recognised as one of 10 finalists in Lotto’s ‘Thank a Sport Maker’ programme.

Referred to as ‘Gibbo’, Gibbons is the president of the St Kilda Surf Lifesaving Club and has been involved at the club for the past 40 years.

Gibbons could not be contacted for comment, but his nomination form, filled out by a club representative, made it clear how important he was to the club.

‘‘He is the backbone of our club and we would be lost without him, to be honest.

‘‘He organises our trips away, new gear and just generally keeping our club going.

‘‘We realise the importance of having lifeguards on patrol and he allows us to constantly upskill ourselves from first aid courses, IRB/rescue skills, radio courses, patrol captain courses and so much more.’’

He put hours of volunteer work into the club, often six days a week, both in and out of season.

He had coached the club’s competitive IRB racing team for 20 years, but was just as influential in doing plenty of administration work.

Various comments on the voting page referred to Gibbons as an amazing man and stated he was deserving of the recognition.

The award wins Gibbons $2000 of sports gear.

He now goes forward to the vote for the ultimate award, worth $10,000.

Kaitangata man Dallas Storer has previously won the ultimate award.