Bailey wins volunteer award

West Norfolk AC’s Paul Bailey has been named Inspiring Official of the Year by England Athletics at the regional volunteer awards.The awards night took place at Bury St Edmunds with Bailey winning a special plaque and being gifted a weekend away as an extra reward.Bailey is a level four field judge, official and club coach, and has been involved in countless events over the years.He has officiated at the very highest level, at events such as the 2012 Olympic games in London and the 2022 Commonwealth games, but equally would officiate at local and regional level events like the East Anglian League, Southern Athletics League, and Eastern Masters League matches as well as County Championships, Sportshall athletics and Quad kids’ events.Bailey’s commitment to athletics in general and to West Norfolk AC, all as a volunteer, would be hard to match. He is a leading technical expert and is the go-to for anyone wanting advice on field events. He always sets a great example to other officials and to anyone volunteering. His knowledge and dedication goes above and beyond.The club also nominated another unsung volunteer in Chris Ely, who has been a dedicated member of the sport for decades, but he didn’t make the final shortlist.Ely has been a keen club supporter as a parent, a field official, a committee member, club chairperson, and a dedicated coach for over 20 years as well as a pillar of knowledge and reliability for all members of the club and further afield. He has regularly provided between two and four coaching sessions every week since 2001. This involved coaching athletes of all abilities, from new starters that he takes under his wing to experienced elite-level athletes.Ely provides an invaluable source of knowledge, experience, and expertise to the members of the club and beyond whether it’s in relation to running the club, coaching, session planning, athlete preparation and more.