Two long-serving committee members who clocked up more than 45 years combined service have officially retired from the Junior Sports Assistance Fund Committee.
Jeanette Elliott was recruited in 1988, while Karen Cunningham served more than 10 years on the committee.
Supported by Mount Gambier City Council and Grant District Council, the fund provides financial support for junior sports persons who have achieved state selection or better in a specific sport, as well as funding for specialised programs.
In March this year Mrs Elliott and Mrs Cunningham advised of their desire to resign, which took effect following the recruitment of suitable members to replace them.
The fund’s AGM on November 8 was the pair’s final meeting as committee members.
Mrs Elliott said she was approached to join the committee at its inception in 1988 and has seen it grow from strength to strength.
“I believe it is such a beneficial program supporting juniors and their families in their sporting endeavours,” she said.
“The fund has been embraced by so many of our local clubs and I have seen it grow from strength to strength.
“The cost for regional juniors to fulfill their desire in representing the state is quite significant.
“It has been so rewarding to be involved in an initiative that has been able to assist families with these financial costs along with the provision of funding to enable our local clubs to run specialised programs, benefiting all their members.”
Mrs Elliott thanked past and present committee members for their dedication to the fund and wished them all the best moving forward.
She also extended her thanks to both councils for their continued support to the fund.
Mrs Cunningham also expressed her thanks for the opportunity.
“The benefit to the community and young sports people is invaluable,” she said.
The committee has since considered possible options for suitable replacement members, with a targeted approach based on their interest and involvement in the local sporting community.
At the AGM, nominations to fill the vacant positions were received from Di Gould and Andrew Matheson.
