Pride of Guernsey: Sports Commission and development officers

‘In excess of 30 sports coaches from across the Guernsey Sports Commission and its member sports volunteered their skills through both lockdowns to support schools remaining open for vulnerable children and those of key workers. Together they voluntarily dedicated thousands of hours at a critical time in the pandemic. During this time, they were on the front line in schools and went above and beyond their remits. This, in some cases, helped ensure that some schools were not forced to close when many staff members had to self-isolate.

‘A number of staff also played a key role in supporting some vulnerable children on a one-to-one basis in school.

‘Oliver Dowding and Dave Harfield led and developed PE at Home, a free resource that supported children. This was a series of daily videos and weekly challenges. The videos were incorporated into the home learning curriculum of many schools and got thousands of views.

‘The commission receives some money from the States for its services to primary schools.

‘However that is only for seven members of staff, who all worked above and beyond, including volunteering through holidays.

‘The additional 25-plus people who worked through this period did so beyond their remit of sports development officers and very much within the spirit of #GuernseyTogether.’