Cindy Dietrich has a long history of volunteering within Saskatchewan’s amateur sport system. Since first getting involved with baton twirling when her daughter expressed interest in pursing the sport in 2005, Dietrich has been a part of the program. In the 20 years since, she has continued to dedicate her time to volunteering, even following her daughter’s retirement from the sport. After being involved in almost every board and volunteer position during her career, Dietrich has spent the last decade with the national board as Secretary of the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation.
Sask Sport spoke with Dietrich about what has kept her volunteering for so many years and the importance of volunteers in the amateur sport community. Here is what she had to share:
What has kept you involved as a volunteer for so many years?
I found my passion is tabulation! I’ve been in the tab room for many years, streamlining and improving the old manual method. We now work with a program that I’ve created and refined for local competitions and have been providing training and assistance for all baton clubs across Canada for the past few years. I’ve been the national lead tabulator for quite a few years. I volunteer at the club level working at four competitions plus provincials and look forward to running tabulation every July for the Canadian Championships in which ever province may be hosting.
Working with the international federation has also provided me the opportunity to assist and now lead for international baton competitions hosted in Canada, such as the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF), Pan Pacific Cup and also the WBTF International Cup.
Although my daughter has been retired for quite a few years now, I absolutely LOVE the sport of baton twirling and have no intention of retiring anytime soon.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering?
The many friendships I have made across Canada with other members, coaches, judges and volunteers! So many stay in the sport after their kids have retired and some younger members move up to become coaches and judges. I love seeing the kids at their early stages working hard and some eventually compete and qualify for the national contingent representing Canada. It’s also been an incredible honour to be recognized at both the provincial and national level as Volunteer of the Year.
Why do you believe volunteers are essential in amateur sport?
Without volunteers, I don’t think that there would be much for amateur sport. Most clubs and sports (and parents/caregivers) could never afford to hire all of the people that currently volunteer countless hours of their time. Organizing the teams, practice, facility rentals, events and trips is essential to ensure that our athletes have the very best experience in their chosen sport.
Over the years, fundraising has gotten harder and harder and unfortunately there is never enough sponsorship, funding or grants to go around. Volunteers have so much to offer to fill the gaps where paid staff are not an option.
What would you say to others who are interested in volunteering?
The athletes need you! For as little or as much time you’re able to volunteer. Depending on your interest and skill set, there are so many ways to help out.
Nobody will have to do everything, if everybody does something!