Volunteer claims award

By Josh Huntly

May 26, 2022

Recognised: Echuca-Moama Triathlon Club member Shane Kervin was recognised as the Triathlon Victoria’s Club Volunteer of the Year at the organisation’s recent awards ceremony in Sandringham on Sunday, May 22.

With National Volunteer Week recently occurring, one from Echuca was recognised for his exhaustive work with a Volunteer of the Year honor.

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Echuca-Moama Triathlon Club’s Shane Kervin was confirmed as Triathlon Victoria’s Club Volunteer of the Year at a ceremony held in Sandringham last Sunday, following a nomination earlier in May.

Kervin has overseen the popular Multisport Weekend for two years as race director, navigating the challenges of large event management during COVID-19.

The 14-year member of EMTC admits he was “chuffed” to even be nominated, but despite taking out the accolade, he admitted it's a strange feeling.

“To be honest, I was just chuffed to be nominated in the first place — that by itself blew me away,” Kervin said.

“It was a great event to be a part of, even just to see the other award winners. To be involved in something like that was great.

“I just know how many volunteers there are in triathlon and the amount of work that people do.

“I feel a bit uncomfortable with the award but it’s an honour to receive it.”

Kervin joined the EMTC committee in 2020 in an effort to give back to the sport of Triathlon, saying it had provided a “balance” in his life.

He admits he didn’t initially see the appeal of the sport, but after 14 seasons said it was one of the best decisions he’s made.

“To be honest, I was a bit reluctant to get involved with the club originally,” Kervin said.

“A couple of friends said you should come down and get into it. I sort of had a pre-conceived idea of what a club like that might be like.

“I was totally wrong. It’s one of the most welcoming and inclusive clubs I’ve ever been a part of.

“Without overplaying it, the sport provided a bit of balance in my life.

“You can come home from work a bit stressed and a bit down on things, then you go for a run and walk back through the door a different person.”

Kervin confirmed it’s likely he will step down from the role of race director for the 2023 edition of the Multisport weekend, but is confident in his successors ability to steer the flagship local triathlon.

Instead, Kervin now has his eyes set on the Cairns Ironman on June 12, a challenge he admits he’s excited to tackle.