Wollongong orienteering coach Salme Fuller has topped a field of more than 1000 coaches in NSW to be named the best community coach for last year's Term 4 of the school year.
The award recognises outstanding achievement in coaching within the Australian Government's Active After-school Communities (AASC) program.
Salme is a member of the Illawarra Kareelah Orienteering Club and has been coaching orienteering programs in the AASC program since 2007.
The AASC program aims to enhance the physical activity levels of Australian primary school children by helping them to develop a love of sport that inspires them to join a local sporting club.
"I am delighted to receive this award. I enjoy coaching with AASC because of the success of the program in getting kids active," Salme said.
"Orienteering is a sport for all ages, and I really appreciate the opportunity to introduce children to this unique sport in a fun and engaging environment."
Eastern Zone Operations Manager for the AASC program, Shaun Ratcliffe, said the program relies on the successful delivery of sports and physical activity sessions around the state.
"Salme is an inspiring coach who has consistently delivered high-quality orienteering programs throughout her involvement with the AASC program," he said.
"The AASC program has benefited from Salme's involvement - this is obvious in how much the children are enjoying themselves and developing under her coaching".
The AASC program is an Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Sports Commission in up to 3270 schools and out-of-school care centres across Australia.
Each term, almost 190,000 children participate in up to 70 different sports and 20 structured physical activities after school.
For more information about the AASC program visit www.ausport.gov.au/aasc.
