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The start of something extraordinary

2015 National Volunteer Week – Julie Neilson, Taranaki

Julie joined the Okato Swimming Club around 2010 with her two boys, and immediately became a massive asset to the club taking over the role of Treasurer and helping to coordinate the Learn to Swim Program.

Since then Julie also became the secretary and sponsorship co-ordinator, getting all the local sponsors on board and organising the purchasing of club track suits, caps and Swimmer of the Week Trophies and prizes, kick boards, stopwatches, fins and lots of learn to swim equipment. All of which took countless voluntary hours.

Julie also organised all the club’s learn to swim instructors to complete their Swimming New Zealand Swim Teacher Awards and spent countless hours putting together the ultimately successful nomination that won Okato the Community Swim Club of the Year Award at the 2014 Swimming New Zealand Awards.

Despite having numerous roles and commitments at the club, at work and at home, Julie always has a fantastic attitude and has a very enthusiastic and energetic personality.