Opinion

OF all the qualities needed to succeed in sport, community spirit is surely the most important.

As rain again played havoc on competition over the weekend, it was an ideal time to reflect on a valuable attribute.

That is camaraderie, especially offering to help the club or organisation you support.

The Fassifern district deserves a gold medal for the way people inject their admirable country-bred commitment into their sporting activities.

As The Queensland Times sports editor for more than 30 years, I witnessed plenty of terrific volunteers and club officials going above and beyond in assisting their respective sports.

I loved being out most weekends seeing the incredible spirit of participants doing what was required to keep sport ticking along for everyone, especially in the Covid era.

The closure of the iconic QT was one of the worst decisions ever made for Ipswich and its identity.

But that's another story.

I've now been working on the Fassifern Guardian and Ipswich Tribune for five months and it has been a wonderful experience for two main reasons.

The first is getting back to grassroots sport that is so important yet regularly neglected by the metropolitan media organisations. They overlook how valuable local sport is in enhancing civic pride and providing a healthy outlet in often stressful times.

The second reason I've enjoyed working on the Guardian and its sister Ipswich paper and online platforms is again being out in the community, seeing the exceptional work being done.

Since January, I've received a fantastic response from many Ipswich sporting colleagues who have discovered the Tribune after missing the local focus the QT used to provide.

It's been equally satisfying chatting to and meeting Fassifern sportspeople for the first time and providing coverage in the Guardian.

It is what I enjoy most about sport – being out there among people who appreciate what you do and stepping up without hesitation to help bolster their club or association.

From the spirited Fassifern Bushrangers cricketers to the family friendly Fassifern Bombers footballers, I've been impressed with the amazing community team work.

Officials at the Fassifern, Boonah and Aratula tennis, soccer, vigoro, golf and swimming associations have also been tremendously helpful.

I've also covered some futsal, rowing, canoeing and shooting in recent weeks.

From jumping in to help during the floods to promoting family values, it has been refreshing seeing how people in the Scenic Rim region support each other.

Recently appointed Boonah Golf Club general manager Malcolm Darling summed it up perfectly when he arrived in the district.

“Since I've been here (March 1), everyone has been so welcoming,” Darling said.

“Every day that I wake up here, I'm so happy to be here and I just feel like I've absolutely made the right decision.”

Thanks Fassifern for the same warm welcome as I explore new sporting opportunities.

As the wet weather clears, feel welcome to email me at lemsdavid55@gmail.com with your sports stories or simply send a message to say hello.

There is nothing better than everyone working together to make regional sport stronger.