Mark Knowles and his wife Jane have supported the Wickham – Roebourne Tee-ball Association since their son joined up at the age of six – that was 15 years ago!

Since then, Mark and Jane have held every executive position in the Association. Currently, Mark is Chief Umpire and Jane is Registrar. Mark has level 4 accreditation from the Tee-Ball Association of Western Australia. As Chief Umpire, he coordinates seven other umpires.

Mark has worked with Rio Tinto Iron Ore in Cape Lambert as a Training Superintendent since 2000. Many other Rio Tinto employees are among the 20 volunteers who help the organisation out each weekend. Mark comments that the Association is held together by “very active and helpful volunteers”. Rio Tinto also provides in-kind support to the organisation.

Kristy Grigson is another of the Rio Tinto employees who volunteer at the Tee-ball Association. Kristy recently applied for the “Dollars for Doers” program, where employees who volunteer in their own time can apply to Rio Tinto for their volunteer organisation to receive a grant.

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The Wickham – Roebourne Tee-ball Association is comprised of 140 members, aged from 4 to 13 years. These members make up 13 teams that compete every weekend during winter. The Association holds their 15 week Tee-ball season in winter so the kids can avoid the summer heat.

Since Mark has been involved with the association, the club has developed to a very high standard. Mark says seeing the kids succeed in open competition is his greatest reward. After experiencing first-hand the benefits of volunteering, Mark and Jane are now developing the West Pilbara Drag Club.