Local official an award finalist

A LOCAL athletics official is a finalist in the 2022 Victorian Sport Awards.

Christine Christie who represents Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre and Wendouree Athletics Club is in the running for the community official of the year title.

Christie works as an official for Athletics Victoria Shield League competitions, Little Athletics, and school events with more than 10 years experience.

Her job involves the organisation other volunteers, mentoring athletes and ensuring the safety of competitors.

“I started initially helping as a parent helper when my children joined little athletics,” Christie said.

“Then they finished and I took a bit of a break before my eldest daughter started officiating and I decided to do it with her.

“It’s something we do together which we really enjoy.”

Christie said she likes being able to help athletes perform at their best, as well as the social interaction.

Judges for the award will include Olympic marathon runner Steve Moneghetti and head of female cricket at Cricket Victoria Sharelle McMahon as well as the CEOs of the Victorian Institute of Sport, Netball Victoria, Bowls Victoria and Disability Sport and recreation Victoria.

Ms Christie said being a finalist was a great surprise.

“Let’s just say I had absolutely no idea whatsoever, it all happened without my knowing and the first thing I knew about it was when I got an email saying I got selected as a finalist,” she said.

“It was surprising to receive the email as it never entered my head that something like this could happen to me.

“I was pleased to think that the work that I’m doing to help athletes have a great experience when they’re out competing has been recognised.

“It validates my approach and the way I like to run my events.”

The award winners will be announced on Wednesday, 7 June at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.