CJ from Coota a ‘star’ Shark Crew volunteer

It’s an eight-hour round trip from Cootamundra in south-western NSW to PointsBet Stadium however that isn’t a deterrent for one committed Sharks Crew member who is on deck and on duty  whenever the Cronulla side hosts a home game. 

CJ Hugo, a long-time member and for the past seven years a part of the Shark Crew, was rewarded for his efforts by being named as the Volunteer of the Round when the Sharks played the Warriors last Sunday. 

Hugo had the honour of sounding the Shark Alarm to welcome the Cronulla team onto the field, before watching the game from the Aramex ‘lifeguard tower’ in front of the Peter Burns Stand on the eastern side of PointsBet Stadium. 

Each week the Sharks take a moment to recognise someone making a difference in the community, with Hugo as the Round 5 recipient following on from Cronulla Sharks Water Polo volunteer Aedan Bonar who sounded the alarm to get the Sharks v Souths game underway in round one. 

As explained by the club’s Head of Community & Government Relations Jessica Macartney, Sharks Have Heart are looking to reward and recognise the volunteers who contribute to a thriving Cronulla Sharks Community. 

“CJ has been volunteering as a member of the Shark Crew since 2015 with his nomination as Volunteer of the Round a reward for his dedication, commitment and reliability on game days,” Ms Macartney said.   

Across Australia, it is estimated that over 5-million people volunteer and to show appreciation for their tremendous work for the many organisations and sporting groups in need of their support, our community and sporting partners will nominate a ‘Local Hero’ as Volunteer of the Round. 

The community contributions of each Volunteer of the Round will continue to be recognised throughout the season, with their deeds and those of their club or organisation promoted through the Sharks website and Sharks Have Heart social media channels.