
“Dreams are for catching, races are for chasing and people are for inspiring” are the words of our back-to-back Official of the Year and current Surf Life Saving Australia DHL Volunteer of the Year, Sandy Clarke from Mullaloo SLSC.
A passionate member for 20 years, Sandy has seen and achieved much during her time with Surf Life Saving. To get to know her a little better, we asked her to share some of her thoughts, inspirations and favourite things!
What is your favourite date on the SLSWA calendar? I have to say it is the SunSmart WA Nipper Surf Life Saving Championships. Having watched my own children several years ago, and now our developing athletes and lifesavers of tomorrow, it’s an awesome spectacle and for many, the start of what may be a lifelong connection to our surf lifesaving community.
What advice do you give youth considering becoming an official? Aside from the official’s seat being the best seat in the house, it’s a great opportunity to be innovative.
What is your spirit animal and why? I’d like to think a horse. Face to the wind, wild and free. They sense your nature, you have to earn their trust, and they are both regal and fierce in competition and have endurance.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season? With some big sponsorships under SLSWA’s belt and the ever-changing landscape of the movement, it’s onwards and upwards for innovation, development and pathway exploration.
Do you have any pre-event rituals you do before you officiate or compete? Before officiating: coffee! Before competing: I’m a surf and wind checker to ensure that I’m in the right frame of mind.
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I grew up in Sydney and was fortunate enough to play the flute and sing in a choir at the Sydney Opera House…many years ago.
Who has inspired you in your life and how? I am inspired by all who are empowered to be the best “them” that they can be. The simplest achievements are often the most inspiring.
Describe your perfect weekend? Being around our big kitchen table with my family and a big breakfast cook up! It sounds simple, but it’s where I’m my happiest… well, that and being in the ocean rowing or swimming.
If you could go back in time and tell your younger self something, what would you say? Dreams are for catching, races are for chasing and people are for inspiring. If I believed this earlier, I may have moved a little quicker into what I love doing today! Also, I would have loved to have been involved in surf lifesaving as a nipper, what a fantastic pathway.
Now for the serious stuff:
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Protein balls loaded with chocolate, fruit and nuts… that’s just about all the food groups, right? Hahahaha
What is your favourite movie quote? I’ll be right back…
What was the first sport you ever played? The ridiculous game of cricket in the mid-off position. It’s what happened when I arrived late to primary school sport allocations. I played a full year of it and was great at catching but terrible at hitting the ball!
If you could time travel, when would you go? It is deep, but back to when I was eight years old and first recognised the immense strain on my mum because of the life card she was dealt.
Dogs or cats? I’m going to say dogs even though I’ve never had one, I’ve always wanted one
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