Volunteer of the Year celebrated at Queensland Sport Awards

A community favourite, the Volunteer of the Year award recognises significant contributions to the state sporting community, with both the finalists and winner celebrated by all.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of grassroots sport in Queensland, and at this year’s Queensland Sport Awards, the incredibly deserving Kimberly Doyle was presented with the trophy for her extensive work with the Special Olympics.

“To have been recognised in front of those amazing individuals by QSport is just a bit surreal,” said Doyle.

“To be in that room with people who are such a success in their own right was just amazing, but for me to be there among those volunteers who were there for others, that was gold.

“There are so many officials, administrators and unpaid coaches who volunteer their time, so it’s just such an honour to be recognised.”

As Chair of the Special Olympics Queensland state committee, Doyle delivers impact through a twin focus on ‘athlete first’ and ‘one team’. 

Having reinvigorated Queensland’s Special Olympics State Committee in 2023 after a period in hiatus, there are few roles within the Special Olympics that Doyle hasn’t played. 

“The athletes are what inspire me, seeing their smiles. There’s a photo of me at the NQ Games with Special Olympics Mackay and Bundaberg athletes just standing there, leaning on my elbows and smiling. Their joy just shone through, the joy of sport, and that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

“It’s not about All Abilities, it’s not about High Performance, it’s just about sport, and it’s fantastic to be involved in that.”

For Doyle, the Queensland sporting community is special for so many reasons, but there’s one particular reason that shines through.

“People in Queensland really want to include everyone, and that’s what makes our sporting community special.

“Community is about a sense of belonging and that’s what we try to do with Special Olympics. That’s what we try to do with Special Olympics all around the world, create that sense of belonging and an environment where no one is excluded, everyone is welcome.

“It really doesn’t matter who you are, if you want to be part of a family, come and join Special Olympics and enjoy the joy of sport.”