Emily sounds the Shark Alarm

Sounding the Shark alarm from the Aramex Lifeguard Tower, the Sharks Baseball Club Secretary, Emily Chapman, welcomed the home team onto Pointsbet Stadium as they ran out for their Round 9 clash against the Cowboys. 

In recognition of her tireless work behind the scenes, Chapman was nominated as the Volunteer of the Round and was rewarded with the opportunity to watch the Sharks defeat their North Queensland counterparts in prime position - a memorable experience for her and her son. 

“The game was great,” Chapman said. “My boy Fletcher came with me and he loved it. He loved pushing the button.” 

For two years running, Chapman has generously dedicated her time to the Sharks Baseball Club, acting as a communications liaison, to support the organisation that she feels has given so much to her family. 

“I do all of the communications between the teams and the committee and association and just make sure that everything runs smoothly,” she explained.

“I wanted to volunteer to give back to the sport because I just felt like my child got so much out of playing baseball."

Recognising the important role that volunteers play in supporting local sporting organisations, Chapman hopes that her contributions to the Baseball club will inspire other parents to do the same. 

“I hope to encourage other people to help out because it takes a lot of volunteers to get our kids on the sporting fields each week,” Chapman said. 

Across Australia, it is estimated that over 5 million people volunteer and to show appreciation for their tremendous work for the many organisations and sporting groups in need of their support, Sharks community and sporting partners will nominate a ‘Local Hero’ as Volunteer of the Round.

The community contributions of each Volunteer of the Round will continue to be recognised throughout the season, with their deeds and those of their club or organisation promoted through the Sharks website and Sharks Have Heart social media channels.

Lead photo - Emily Chapman (left) with 'lifeguards' from Sharks Water Polo