Athletics official best in state

OFFICIAL Sarah Davis has been recognised by the State Government and Vicsport for her service to all levels of athletics.

Ms Davis was announced the Sports Accounting Australia Official of the Year at this month’s Victorian Sport Awards, which acknowledged achievements in 2021.

Within last year alone, Ms Davis officiated track and field and cross-country competitions, at grass roots, country, state, and national levels across Australia, and said she was “touched” to be celebrated.

“I do it because I love it, and because I’m now encouraging other officials in Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and New South Wales to follow on a similar journey to myself, and get as much pleasure from it as I do,” she said.

“If we don’t have officials, our sport can’t keep going.”

Ms Davis began officiating in 2005 when her two children first got involved with athletics.

“When they went onto do other things in their lives, as young people do, by then I already had friends in most states and territories through officiating, and I just loved doing it,” she said.

Many people enjoy running, throwing, or jumping as their recreation, but for Ms Davis and her colleagues, their recreation has become “being out there officiating.”

“I’ve always loved the athletes I was involved with, helping young people on their journey, and making sure that everyone on the field of play has an equal opportunity to do the best that they can,” she said.

For the last 17 years, she’s “worked very hard,” officiating most national track and field, and state titles.

“I’ve been privileged to do some Oceania events in Samoa for the Commonwealth Youth Games, and the Commonwealth Games in 2018 on the Gold Coast,” she said.

“I hope to be officiating in Ballarat at the Commonwealth Games in 2026… doing what I always do, and what I love.”