FEW would disagree that sporting clubs have done it as tough as anyone over the past two years, battered by Covid restrictions, border closures, floods and a consequent reduction in membership numbers.
Some clubs lost many thousands of dollars worth of equipment during the most recent floods and are only now just starting to get back on their feet.
So what better time to give them a pat on the back for the great work they do as a backbone of our communities than now?
You can do that by nominating them for a 2022 Logan Business Distinction Award in the sporting category.
Nicole Lander, who is owner of Laser Tag and is heavily involved in table tennis locally, said it was now more important than ever to support clubs.
“These awards are an opportunity to give clubs a voice about how they are bouncing back,” Ms Lander said.
“And I do believe there are green shoots as we emerge from a challenging couple of years.”
She said sport allowed people to feel part of a group. People can improve their skills, and challenge themselves to improve.
“While we were running the Brisbane Open for table tennis, people in their 80s played. It’s a great leveller, and it brings people together, something which is important to us humans,” she said.
Table tennis, as an Olympic sport, is generating more interest than ever locally.
Laser Tag in a Box won the sporting services category at last year’s business distinction awards.
Ms Lander said now presented an opportunity for people who’d left sport to get back in, re-join their clubs, and be part of a community that needs help to bounce back.
“Like table tennis, laser tag is easy to understand, and it’s a skill everybody can be part of,” she said.
“And like most sports, it’s easier to win if you play as a team.”
It’s easy to nominate someone from the sporting services industry who’s done a good job for you, or who you believe provides a great club atmosphere. If you do, they’ll be asked to be part of the awards.
Simply go to loganbusinessawards.com.au and click the “nominations are open” button.
You can also send nominations to MyCity Logan, PO Box 115, Waterford 4133, or by texting 0477 316 892.
“This is a real chance to rally around those who are the backbone of our local economy,” chamber president Stewart Fleming said.
