Kelly was made a life member of the Finley Little Athletics Club during its presentation evening on Friday.
Kelly joined Finley Little Athletics club in 2005, not having had any previous experience with athletics before.
It soon became clear to then president Ken Gardiner that he had found someone to take over his position as president for the coming year.
Kelly went on to hold that position for 16 years.
“Throughout his time as president, he has spent tremendous hours organising club nights, carnivals, getting kids to carnivals in other towns, coaching kids and teaching parents how to run events and in turn teach other kids,” Kelly’s citation read.
“He is always one of the first to arrive and always the last one to leave any event he is involved in.”
This year, Kelly took on the role of Little Athletics NSW western Riverina zone coordinator.
In this role he supports clubs and young athletes in the local area, as well as Griffith, Hay, Corowa, Leeton and Deniliquin.
“His passion is helping kids to learn the skills that athletics offers as a foundation for all sports, and also fighting to ensure that our country kids get the same opportunities as those kids in the city,” the citation read.
Kelly’s honour also extends to the work he does to represent the club in other community areas.
“For the last few years he has helped run athletics carnivals for the local schools in the district, taking time off when needed from his full time job to be able to assist them,” Kelly’s citation read.
“He also offers his time as an official at Riverina school carnivals.
“He is always willing to put his hand up for community events and organisations if needed, and has coordinated people to help the Lions Club woodchop for the last few years.
“Every year for the Ricestrippers Ball he helps the Recreation Reserve Committee - of which he is also a member - to coordinate volunteers to help the Apex Club.
“They serve dinner to the hungry crowds of B&S ball patrons, always getting there early and having meat sliced and bread rolls cut up ready to go when the first shift of helpers arrive.
“He backs up the following morning by organising volunteers to serve coffee to the sore heads the next day.
“This year he coordinated the Year 12 class of 2022 to serve the coffee and make bacon and egg rolls as a fundraising effort for their graduation.”
Other results from the Little Athletics presentation night will appear next week.
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