National Volunteer Week from May 18-24 celebrates the millions of Australians who volunteer their time to building stronger, more connected and resilient communities.

“We are lucky to have the largest volunteer base of any industry in Australia with 2.3 million volunteers donating their time to sport and physical activity each year. They are our coaches, officials, team managers, administrators and more – often filling multiple roles,” Dalton says.

“Sport does not take our volunteers for granted. They are one of sport’s greatest assets and as we look to get back on the field, we will be relying on them even more than ever. Without them, sport in Australia could not survive.

“We face an enormous challenge ahead, but I am confident that with the ongoing support of our volunteers, we can rebuild and reactivate our community once more for all Australians to enjoy.”

The theme of National Volunteers Week is “Changing Communities. Changing Lives”. With many events cancelled due to COVID-19, Australians are urged to show support online by sharing a wave of appreciation to volunteers as part of Volunteering Australia’s Wave for Volunteer Campaign.

Sport Australia has put together this video as a thank you to sport’s millions of volunteers.