Wodonga Tennis Centre member Sandra Griffin (pictured in the middle) has been recognised for her years of service with a Tennis Service Award on Monday night.
The award, which is part of Tennis Victoria’s Recognition Program, was presented in front of a small gathering at the local pub, O’Maille’s Pub in Wodonga.
The presentation of the Tennis Service Award was met with thunderous applause from her family and friends, and with overwhelming emotion from Sandra herself.
“It was a shock, it really was. I wasn’t expecting it and I do appreciate it,” she said.
“But as I’ve said I’m only one person because I’ve had a whole community [helping me].”
Since 1998, Sandra has been volunteering her time from canteen duties to her five-year stint as the club’s president between 2011-2016. She was instrumental during her time in charge of the club applying for grants and requesting to host tournaments.
Mayor of Wodonga and Tennis Victoria board member, Anna Speedie, was on hand for the official presentation and to show her appreciation for an outstanding member of the tennis community.
“When you see stalwarts in any sport, Sandra absolutely epitomises that,” Speedie said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the club or not you’re always welcomed and really that culture is always set from the top.
“She has been an integral part of the club growing but also developing it into an awesome facility.”
Sandra’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Her achievements include, consistent maintenance of the club facilities, the employment of Margaret Court Academy coaches and overseeing the installation of 10 plexicushion courts – the latter Sandra lists as her crowning accomplishment.
“I had a great team behind me and that was a major coup for the tennis centre in getting the blue courts,” she said.
During the times when Wodonga has played host to Country Week Tennis it is Sandra who wouldn’t be too far away from the organising responsibilities.
Aptly known as “the little lady whom runs the Wodonga Tennis Centre”, Sandra always made it her mission to ensure all members, participants and the like enjoy their time on and off the court.
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