Maeve hopes for Olympic legacy

The Ballymena-based former Olympian was speaking during an interview with Volunteer Now, an organisation which champions the casue of volunteers.

As part of this year’s Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June), Volunteer Now has themed the week as Celebrating Local Heroes – those people who willingly give their time to help others participate in sporting activities.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming Olympics, Maeve, who coaches all disciplines of athletics and is the club’s Administration Manager – all on a voluntary basis – says: “It will inspire more people to get involved in sport, however will it leave a legacy, well this depends on the adult world.”

Maeve, who has been involved within volunteering since 1953 also answered a number of questions relating to her voluntary work:

What inspired you to get involved?

I competed in the Melbourne 1956 Olympics and after this I decided to learn how to coach so that I could give something back to the sport, this then inspired me to get involved with the young up and coming athletes.

What attracted you to the role?

My experience as an athlete and the young people, young people always inspire me, I tell them to make a plan, set a goal and stick to it, and if they do this it is all achievable.

What skills or qualities are required for your volunteering role?

Discipline, motivation, a sense of humour and when you say you are going to do something do it.

Why do you volunteer?

To inspire young people, as I said previously young people inspire me, so in return I hope to inspire them.

How often do you volunteer?

24/7, not enough hours in the day.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

Watching the young kids learning and realising they have a talent, no money in the world could pay for the smile on their face when they achieve their goal, no matter how small it is.

Why would you encourage others to get involved?

For the self satisfaction, I would really encourage people when they retire to get involved in volunteering, when you have gone through your working life you gain so many skills and have many life experiences that are transferable to all types of volunteering and instead of complaining about the young people of today why not get out there and help them by getting involved in voluntary work of your choice that will inspire them.

What has been the highlight of your volunteering?

Seeing the kids change, their confidence growing, they communicate well with their peers, set their own goals and achieve. They become a different person and all for the better.

What advice would you give someone starting to volunteer?

I would be honest with them all. Tell them that it can be very demanding BUT and I mean this in its largest term, TOTALLY REWARDING.