Category: Sport and Recreation (Special Commendation)
Recipient: Bruce Coe
Background
Bruce Coe has served as a volunteer in numerous community organisations in the ACT—including the North Belconnen Baptist Church, the Scripture Union and St Matthew's Anglican Church—but his major passion is sport. He was the chairman of selectors for the North Canberra-Gungahlin Cricket Club for six years and on the organising committee of the Kanga Cup national soccer completion. Bruce was awarded the Volunteer Shield in 2007. This nomination relates to his volunteer service to the ACT Olympic Council.
Scope of Work
Bruce's role as Secretary of the ACT Olympic Council is a 'jack of all trades' commitment with significant calls on his time and administrative abilities. In addition to the traditional functions of organising meetings, setting agendas and recording minutes, Bruce represents the Council at meetings, coordinates fund-raising, maintains relationships with the ACT's 130 Olympians, and plays a major role in the Australian Olympic Committees annual Pierre de Coubertin Awards for secondary schools. He played a pivotal role in supporting the ACT leg of the international torch relay for the last Olympics and was a member of the committee coordinating the homecoming celebrations.
Impact on the Community
Bruce liaises regularly with the ACT affiliates of the 28 national organisations whose sports make up the Olympic program. His fundraising efforts and government liaison activities directly support the ACT's high performance and potential Olympic athletes and coaches, and his links to the Education Department benefit schools and students. Bruce also has a significant influence at the national level, through the fundraising and support he has provided to other state Olympic councils.
Time Dedicated
Bruce contributes a tremendous amount of time to his volunteer role with the ACT Olympic Council, which we estimate to be (at least) 20 hours per week. He refuses to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.
Effort Required
Bruce sees his work as a 'labour of love', but the importance of his contribution cannot be over-stated. It is worth noting that all other state Olympic councils employ at least one full-time administrator (some have three), while Bruce's work is entirely voluntary.