Volunteering a learning experience for Mick Harris

Snow Australia is proud to work collaboratively with Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA), who each year train approximately 300 volunteers and have had more than 3000 volunteers involved in their programs over the last 40 years.

One volunteer who has been involved for many years is Mick Harris. He first became involved with DWA as a parent, attending with his daughter who has mild cerebral palsy.

“Because of the years I spent skiing with her, I worked out how to interact with the athletes and had learnt enough that I wanted to stay involved,” Mick said.

“I saw how hard the volunteers worked to help my daughter chase her dream and I wanted to be able to help other children have that same experience.”

While Mick admitted that he’s had many ups and downs during his time volunteering, he said it's the attitude of the kids that brings him back year after year.

“Seeing the kids improve and do it all with a smile on their face is what makes it worth it for me.

“I mainly ski with children who have intellectual disabilities and to see their face light up when they learn something new or conquer a new skill, is so special,” he said.

Mick said that to get the most of out his time volunteering, it’s all about building relationships with the participants, but also their family and carers.

“Once you’ve gained their trust and they know they are safe skiing with you, that’s when the magic happens.

“These kids love being on the snow, and I love being a part of providing that experience to them,” said Mick.

Snow Australia would like to thank Mick, and all of the volunteers that help make our sport accessible and inclusive.

Want to show your appreciation towards our sporting volunteers? Wave a special smile of appreciation from your own home - upload your wave photo to social media and share using the hashtags #NVW2020 and #waveforvolunteers, and tag Volunteering Australia.