Riley is a positive and enthusiastic young person who is a valued member of the BSRV team. From the time we first met Riley when he joined us on placement, then as a volunteer, and now in his role as Program Support Coordinator, he has demonstrated a great passion for all things sport and an admirable desire to assist others to have the opportunity to join in.
Riley shares how he came to join us and join in.
"Hey there, my name is Riley Thompson and I have been a part of BSRV for around 3 years now. I am 24 years old and grew up in a place called Barongarook, which is located in the Great Otway National Park, just outside of Colac.
Growing up I always loved sport, giving just about every sport imaginable a go as a child. I was first introduced to BSRV at a Cricket breakup which was being held in 2015 at a family friend's house. I had a great time with everyone and tried batting with a blindfold on (not very successfully).
I relocated to Melbourne in 2017 to undertake an undergraduate degree in Sport Development. It was through this degree that I first began to volunteer with Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, after completing a placement with BSRV. I helped out with a number of programs including some tennis and swimming sessions. As a keen tennis player, I found the tennis sessions were incredibly enjoyable and continued to volunteer after my placement finished. I volunteered for around a year until the then coordinator, who is also my first cousin Adam, moved on. I was then offered the role of Program Coordinator of the Tennis Program.
I am now in my 3rd year as the tennis program coordinator and am loving every minute of it. I also have worked as a Program Support Coordinator for our Active Teens program pre-lockdown, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The thing I enjoy the most about these programs is the joy I see it bring to the lives of everyone involved. Whether it be someone trying tennis for the first time, or a regular who hasn't missed a week in years. These programs are truly the highlight of the week.
The friendships and memories I have already experienced through BSRV I will cherish for life. I would encourage anyone thinking about getting involved with BSRV as a participant or volunteer, to get in touch with them and give it a go. You most definitely won't regret it!"
Image descriptions:
The preview image shows Riley with BSRV Ambassador Terry at the Disability Sport and Recreation Festival in Geelong. Riley and Terry are standing next to each other on an outdoor tennis court. Terry is holding a tennis racquet. They are both smiling.
The three banner images within the main banner above shows a cropped image of Riley, Riley playing football earlier this year (2022) at Albert Park for Emmaus St Leos, against South Melbourne Districts, and Riley at the BSRV Morning Tea Celebration, accepting a trophy on behalf of BSRV for ‘Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative’ awarded at the Victorian Tennis Awards. Riley is standing next to Tennis Victoria CEO, Adam Crameri.
