Kip Stavrou named NSW Volunteer Director of the Year for contributions to Martial Arts

The Awards night, conducted at Bankwest Stadium, recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year, which is primarily carried out by a volunteer workforce.

Stavrou, and co-winner Joe Dougall from Touch Football, were among 10 award-winning category recipients honoured at the ceremony hosted by NSW Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward.

Stavrou was recognised for his outstanding achievements and contributions to Martial Arts in NSW.

When the Board of World Martial Arts Alliance (WMAA) realised the impacts COVID-19 restrictions were having on the sport, they set about designing a flexible strategic plan to support members.

Stavrou had regular contact with Sport NSW and NSW Health and held weekly Zoom meetings and/or phone calls with clubs to ensure they felt supported.

Assistance was provided to clubs to establish Zoom classes to keep their students engaged.

As clubs were allowed to reopen, support was provided by visits and conducting more seminars to assist them in attracting their students.

The work undertaken by Stavrou and WMAA during COVID-19 was recognised by 'Play By the Rules' through their 2020 Play by the Rules Awards.

Sport NSW Chairperson, Carolyn Campbell, congratulated Stavrou on his wonderful commitment to sport in NSW.

Ms Campbell said COVID-19 had impacted everyone's lives in so many areas over the past 12-15 months.

"The role of community sport has been vital to restoring and upholding the physical and mental health of girls and boys, men and women of all ages during these challenging times," she said.

"Sport has the magnetic capacity to draw people together from different cultures and backgrounds within local communities to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles.

"At the heart of community sport has been more than 500,000 selfless volunteers such as Kip who give up their precious time to ensure sports is played throughout the year.

"It is fitting our Award recipients are recognised and honoured. It is because of their efforts that NSW remains the premier sports state in Australia."

The Awards evening also celebrated 23 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards to individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades.