NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: Sharon Brown’s 16-Year Legacy of Kindness and Commitment
Published Fri 23 May 2025
As National Volunteer Week shines a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of volunteers across Australia, Athletics West is proud to celebrate one of our own, Sharon Brown, whose 16-year journey with our sport is a shining example of what it means to truly connect communities.
Sharon’s warm smile and tireless energy are familiar to anyone who has attended a Strive event or Athletics West Championship. Week after week, season after season, she shows up, not for recognition or reward, but for the people. As TIC Manager, Sharon plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in making our events run smoothly. But her real impact goes far beyond logistics.
“I love it because I have met lots of friends,” Sharon reflects.
“Particularly Gwenda Kennedy, who I met through Pole Vault when my son was doing Pole Vault with Nina.”
“Now we even meet for Christmas because we’ve got no family here… it was a good way for me to get involved with people through my kids, but I’ve kept it up and the kids have gone off and done other things now.”
That lasting friendship with Gwenda formed on the sidelines of pole vault runways highlights how volunteering can create deep, personal connections and is a testament to how athletics builds bonds that stretch far beyond the track.
Originally hailing from the UK, Sharon quickly found her place in the athletics community after moving to Perth. What began as a way to get involved through her son’s sporting interests soon became something much more meaningful.
Over the years, she has grown into a central figure at Athletics West events known not only for her reliability but for her kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit. She also volunteers at her local Vinnies store, continuing her commitment to helping others beyond the athletics arena.
At Athletics West, volunteers like Sharon are the heartbeat of our sport. They remind us that when we give our time, we give a part of ourselves and in doing so, we help weave the fabric of a stronger, more connected community.
This National Volunteer Week, we say thank you, to Sharon, and all the volunteers that form our wonderful community, for everything you do and for reminding us of what volunteering is all about.
To find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering at Athletics in WA and to start your athletics journey, click HERE or contact us using the details below.
For more information about how you can get started in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or email admin@athleticswest.com.au
By Imogen McDonald, Athletics West
Published 23 May 2025
