Elisabeth McGuire named Little Athletics Victoria's Volunteer of the Year

The mum-of-two has recently been crowned Little Athletics Victoria's Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to the club as secretary, while also helping them land their second Excellence in Marketing Award.

While she admits the honour was a pleasant surprise, it was overcoming the hurdles of Covid this year that has been most gratifying.

"Every season is rewarding, but even more so this one with all of the challenges that we had to go through," she said.

"With the challenges that sporting groups have faced, it was just important to go that extra mile to make sure that we do have a season."

McGuire first got involved with the club when her oldest son Jack, 12, took up little athletics, with youngest son Reuben, 8, now also involved.

As well secretary, she's been the team manager, marketing guru and inclusion officer.

"We went along and he (Jack) loved it, so we stayed," she said.

"I got involved to help out and keep the centre running to provide an activity for children to be able to do.

"Like any committee, you end up doing a lot of things.

"We'll be around for a while yet."

Despite her involvement in the sport, McGuire never did athletics as a kid, apart from at school.

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Instead she played netball and tennis in her hometown of Holbrook.

With many residents glued to their televisions this year for the Tokyo Olympic Games, McGuire believed it was an exciting time for the border's young aspiring athletes.

"With the campaign by the Olympics showing where a lot of the athletes started and where they are now, that's inspired a lot of kids to come and have a go at being their best," she said.

"One day you might end up at the Olympics.

"Not everyone makes it, but it's about doing your best and having a go.

"I think little athletics definitely gives them the opportunity to do that."

When McGuire isn't volunteering her time with Albury's little athletes, she works as a teacher at Wodonga Primary School.

She admitted she finds both roles fulfilling.

The club is yet to determine when they will be able to return to the track and field, with Albury plunged into a seven-day lockdown from Thursday.

"Usually we have come and try sessions coming up in the next few fortnights," she said.

"Once NSW gives the go ahead for community sport, we'll be back into our regular season."

It marks the first time McGuire has been recognised at a state level.

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