Devon Sports Award

May 2008

Netball enthusiast Olive Hatherley received two awards the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sport’ and the ‘Services to Sport – Official’ awards at a ceremony dedicated to sports coaches, officials and volunteers this week, held on Thursday 17th May at the Tiverton Hotel.

Mark Tyler, Westcountry TV presenter and Active Devon Board Member, hosted a very successful evening paying tribute to the hundreds of individuals ‘behind the scenes’ around the county who devote their time to sports clubs and organisations.  The trophies and certificates were presented by Dan James, goalkeeper for the British Blind Football team who are off to the Beijing Paralympics this summer.

Olive Hatherley, ‘Ollie’ to her friends, is fundamental to the Exeter & District Netball League, umpiring through 6 division and also for a growing junior league. In addition, she often umpires for the University’s BUSA games and County matches.  Ollie has provided valuable support to many umpires throughout the league helping them to gain the ‘C’ awards and in particular she has supported and encouraged several young umpires in the junior league.  She has given endless hours for over 30 years to the local netball Leagues.  She is always the first to volunteer to mentor and support learning umpires and players - she is an excellent role model and a fitting winner of the awards.  In accepting the awards Ollie said, “I’m surprised and delighted to receive this. I  love netball and it gives me great pleasure to be recognised for something I enjoy so much.  I plan on carrying on for a good few years yet!”

The Exeter & District Netball League would like to congratulate Ollie on her awards and hope she will continue to support the league for several years to come!