2023 Little Athletics SA Long Service Award Winners

Citation – Read at the Association Awards on Wednesday 17 May 2023

Long Service Award Winner – Deborah Gayen from Eastern Districts Little Athletics Club.  

• Among some of the most dedicated volunteers of Little Athletics, Debbie Gayen stands out as a shining example of commitment and transformation within the Eastern Districts Little Athletics and Little Athletics SA. Her journey, spanning nearly two decades, has left an indelible mark on the athletes, coaches, and the overall athletic landscape in her community. 
• Debbie Gayen’s leadership journey in EDLA began in the 2003-2004 season when she assumed the role of President. It was evident from the start that Debbie possessed an innate passion for athletics and a desire to contribute to the success of the club. Her tenure as President saw EDLA grow both in numbers and in the quality of its programs. Under her leadership, the club experienced remarkable progress, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for young athletes to thrive. 
• Recognising her natural ability to bring people together and her remarkable organisational skills, Debbie transitioned to the role of Secretary in 2005. For an impressive span of twelve years, from 2005 to 2016, she served as the backbone of the club, overseeing administrative tasks and ensuring smooth operations. Her dedication and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in maintaining the high standards that EDLA had become renowned for. 
• However, Debbie’s contributions extended far beyond her administrative duties. She served as a coach for EDLA for an amazing 18 years, beginning in 2005 and continuing until the present day. Her impact on the lives of young athletes cannot be overstated. Through her coaching, she instilled a love for athletics, nurtured talent, and encouraged a growth mindset. Her athletes not only excelled in their chosen events but also developed important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Debbie’s passion for athletics extended beyond the confines of EDLA. As a coach, she was involved in Squad LA. Moreover, she generously offered her expertise as a summer clinic coach from 2006 to 2012, helping young athletes fine-tune their skills. 
• Debbie’s dedication to her craft culminated in her selection as the coach for the State team in 2011 and 2012. Under her guidance, the state team achieved an unprecedented victory, winning the handicap trophy for the first time. This triumph served as a testament to Debbie’s exceptional coaching abilities and her unwavering commitment to fostering talent at both the local and state levels. 
• Beyond her coaching and administrative roles, Debbie took on the responsibility of coordinating and selecting EDLA relay teams for an impressive thirteen-year period, from 2003 to 2016. Her keen eye for talent and her ability to assemble cohesive teams contributed significantly to EDLA’s success in relay events. 
• Her commitment to ensuring fair and competitive representation for the club showcased her dedication to providing opportunities for all athletes to shine. 
• Debbie made valuable contributions to the broader athletics community. She worked as a member of the SALAA Cross Country review team, lending her expertise and insights to improve cross country events within the district. Furthermore, she spearheaded the introduction of online registration at EDLA, serving as a test case for streamlining the registration process and improving efficiency. 
• One of Debbie’s most enduring legacies is the introduction of the Young Athlete Coach Development Program at EDLA. Recognising the importance of mentorship and the need to pass on her wealth of knowledge, she designed a program to develop aspiring coaches within the club. 
• For Debbie, the true measure of success lies in the impact she has had on the lives of the athletes she has nurtured. She takes immense pride in seeing children who started their athletic journey at EDLA as beginners grow and develop their skills across various events. Many of these athletes continue to participate in athletics and other sports well into their twenties, a testament to Debbie’s ability to inspire a lifelong love for physical activity. 
• Debbie Gayen’s contributions to EDLA and the wider athletics community are nothing short of extraordinary. Through her unwavering dedication, passion, and tireless efforts, she has left an indelible mark on the sport and the lives of countless young athletes.  

 Congratulation Debbie 

Citation – Read at the Association Awards on Wednesday 17 May 2023

Long Service Award Winner – Don Brown from Western Little Athletics Club

• Volunteering is the lifeblood of any community sport, and Don Brown exemplifies the true spirit of selflessness and dedication. For an astounding 37 years, from 1986 until the present day, Don has been an invaluable asset to the world of Little Athletics. His unwavering commitment and passion have left an indelible mark on the sport and the lives of countless young athletes in South Australia. 
• Don’s journey began in 1986 when he joined the Ingle Farm Little Athletics Club as a coach. Little did he know that this initial step would ignite a flame of enthusiasm and devotion that would burn brightly for decades to come. During his tenure at Ingle Farm LAC, Don not only coached young athletes for over ten years but also served a term as the Club’s President. His tireless efforts and leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s culture and fostering an environment of growth and excellence. 
• Recognising Don’s immense dedication and expertise, Little Athletics SA appointed him as a Development Officer. In this role, he travelled to various regional South Australian communities, organizing Country Camps to nurture and develop young athletes. Don’s passion for coaching and his ability to connect with aspiring athletes made him an exceptional mentor, inspiring countless children to pursue their athletic dreams. 
• Don’s contributions extended beyond the local level. He played a significant role in the growth of coaching in South Australia by running coaching clinics out of Ingle Farm. These clinics provided coaches with valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their coaching abilities. Don’s dedication to sharing his expertise and elevating the standards of coaching has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the quality of athletic training in the region. 
• Even after his official role as a Development Officer, Don remained actively involved with Little Athletics SA. He continued to contribute as a coach, sharing his wealth of experience and guiding young athletes to reach their full potential. His commitment to fostering talent and instilling a love for athletics in the next generation is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for the sport. 
• In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Don was recently appointed as a State Team Coach for the last two years. This prestigious role showcases the trust and confidence placed in him by Little Athletics SA. As a State Team Coach, Don has the privilege of working with the best young athletes in South Australia, refining their skills and preparing them for competition at the highest level. His dedication and expertise have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the success of these young athletes and the achievements of the state team. Don has also been involved as a coach at Holiday Clinics at SA Athletics Stadium and with officiating at both State Events and SAPSASA Events were he proudly represents Little Athletics SA. 
• Beyond his official roles and accomplishments, Don Brown’s impact is best reflected in the lives he has touched through the many different clubs he has been involved with. The athletes who have had the privilege of being coached by him carry his lessons and guidance with them long after they leave the track. Don’s unwavering support and belief in their abilities instill a sense of self-confidence and determination that goes far beyond athletics. He is not just a coach; he is a mentor, a role model, and a friend to those who have had the privilege of knowing him.  
• Don Brown’s dedication to Little Athletics is a shining example of the transformative power of volunteerism. For over three decades, he has dedicated his time, energy, and expertise to the betterment of young athletes in South Australia. His contributions have not only elevated the quality of coaching but also shaped the lives of countless individuals. Don’s legacy is one of selflessness, perseverance, and a profound love for the sport. Little Athletics SA and the broader community owe him a debt of gratitude for his extraordinary commitment. 

Congratulations Don