East Calder Table Tennis Volunteer takes game point with a Volunteer Award.
This month The Centre, Livingston and the West Lothian Courier are paying tribute to another worthy volunteer who is active in the community, by recognising their efforts with a Volunteer Award.
The award was set up to acknowledge people who give up their time for good cause – from offering support to local community groups and charities, to volunteering in hospitals.
Not only does the winner receive a framed certificate but they are also rewarded with a £100 Gift Card, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston, which can be spent at over 90 stores and all restaurants in the shopping centre.
The latest recipient of the award is Shital Zaveri, 45, from East Calder, who, for the last year, has volunteered at West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club at their Pop In and Play venue, giving his free time at the weekends to coach children, as well as beginners, to play table tennis.
Founded in 2000, West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club (WLCTTC) is based in Bathgate with a Pop In and Play Table Tennis facility located at The Centre. The club, run by volunteers and supported by Table Tennis Scotland, offers free workshops and aims to encourage the West Lothian community to play table tennis both socially and competitively.
Shital was nominated by Martin Rumsey, Club Chairman at West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club, in recognition of his dedication and enthusiasm for the club.
Since 2022, Shital has spent up to 8 hours a week at the Pop In and Play facility, providing access to the venue at weekends when many volunteers are unavailable. While he is there he offers one to one coaching to adults and children alike to help them become familiar with the game and to improve their table tennis skills.
Martin Rumsey, Club Chairman at West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club, commented: “Shital is a valued member of WLCTTC and has been actively involved with the Pop In and Play venue in The Centre since it opened.
“He has taken time to welcome visitors and regular players and has encouraged them by imparting some of his skills and knowledge relating to the sport of table tennis.
"Shital is always smiling, welcoming and enthusiastic relating to both beginners and those who have played in the past.”
Shital Zaveri, Volunteer at West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club, said: “I really feel that I have benefitted from being a volunteer as I get to interact with lots of people who come in and enjoy having a go at table tennis.
"I have met so many people from different backgrounds and nationalities, something I would not have had the opportunity to do had I not been a volunteer.
“I honestly didn’t realise that what I do meant a lot to my club and the users of the Pop In and Play facility. I am very happy to have this opportunity to do volunteer work – it’s a great way of spreading interest and the joy of playing table tennis, and gives everyone the chance to share their enthusiasm for the sport with those who play or used to play.”
Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, added:
“Once again our Volunteer Award has helped highlight the generosity of spirit of those in our local community who give up their time to help others.
“The sense of community within West Lothian Community Table Tennis Club is very apparent, as is the popularity of the Pop In and Play facility at The Centre, which we’re delighted to see being well-used by people of all ages and abilities. Congratulations to Shital on his well-deserved award and his role in making the Pop In and Play venue such a success.”
We’re looking for your Volunteer Award nominations for the year ahead. If you know a volunteer who spends their free time working tirelessly for the community and you’d like to
nominate them for this award, as well as a framed certificate and a £100 Gift Card to spend at The Centre, Livingston, please send an email to debbie.hall@reachplc.com along with the reasons for your nomination.
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