By Lola Eastaugh at the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course
Working hard behind the scenes to determine photo finishes and accurate race times are our dedicated umpires, supported by an amazing team of volunteers. For one of those volunteers, Narelle Haywood, this will be her third time volunteering at an Australian Rowing Championship.
As Narelle’s son joined rowing three years ago, she realised how the success of rowing takes a village and she is so generous about volunteering where she can.
Beginning as a Boat Race Official at the 2024 New South Wales Rowing Championships and continuing on to ARC24, this year will be Narelle’s third time volunteering at the Australian Rowing Championships.
Her job as a timekeeper consists of ensuring the right numbers are being recorded both in the right order and with the right times, which is important, so the competitors know how they are progressing down the lake but also for the competition as race times often determine who is able to progress through to the finals.
Narelle particularly loves this job as timekeeper, believing she has the best seat in the house, especially when the close races keep things exciting.
Deciding to volunteer was an easy decision for Narelle as she really views it as a way of giving back to a sport that has given so much to her son.
Narelle’s bubbly and passionate nature creates a warm atmosphere in the judge’s tower, where she describes what it’s like to become a part of the rowing community.
“It’s about meeting other people interested in the sport from different parts of the country and all just coming together to make sure the event is really well run for the participants.”
Rowing Australia is grateful to have Narelle on board, as she genuinely enjoys her time volunteering and makes the experience enjoyable for everyone around her. Narelle believes anyone who loves spending time at the lake will thrive among the volunteering community.
“You don’t need a lot of experience just the right attitude, friendly disposition and a ‘can do’ attitude... then you will be right.”
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