Awarded the inaugural RSM Australia Community Sport Volunteer of the Year, at the 2023 WA Sport Awards in February, Connor Clarke exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism.
Re-elected to the voluntary State Development Officer role in 2023, Connor led the process for the West Australian Kendo Renmei to be recognised as the States 92nd State Sporting Association. A goal that was formally achieved on 17 October 2023 when Minister for Sport, The Honourable David Templeman wrote to confirm the recognition after 50 years of activity in WA.
Connor was also the driving force behind Constitutional reform for the organisation. Connor oversaw the coordination, drafting and member consultation in the updating of the Constitution which was finalised in June 2023. The Constitution had not been updated since 2002, and required substantial revisions to be in line with the Associations Incorporations Act 2015. Including, but not limited to developing Act Compliant Conflict of Interest clauses, refining membership clauses, developing sub-committee clauses and refining AGM and General Meeting clauses.
Not content with these achievements, Connor has also actively fostered a relationship with the WA Japanese Consular General who formally opened the 2023 National WA Kendo Championships and 2023 Laido Championships in Perth. Connor went above and beyond developing this relationship, regularly meeting and working the Consular Staff and Consular General to facilitate his attendance and briefing. Further, Connor has continued working with the Consular General’s office to enable a long term formalised relationship, based on a partnership approach to promote an interest in Japanese Culture and Sports.
Connor has worked tirelessly in his contributions to the West Australian Kendo Renmei. His unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the organization, ensuring the continued growth and recognition of Kendo in Western Australia.
