Valentine was named Basketball Victoria Country male administrator of the year in a ceremony at Bendigo at the weekend. He will now be put forward as BVC’s statewide nomination.

BVC highlighted Valentine’s meticulous attention to detail in planning and running events in the Ballarat region and his work to attract major tourna-

ments to the city. This includes the Basketball Australia under-18 championships, set to be held in Ballarat.

Ballarat Basketball chief executive officer Peter Eddy said Valentine’s extensive volunteer work in the game was a big asset to his work as a sports administrator.

Valentine has been a long-time volunteer with the Prospectors –Ballarat’s representative team for players with an intellectual disability – as well as the Eastwood Leisure Centre management board.

“While Mark is a professional administrator, he is still a strong volunteer ... this gives him a great understanding of volunteer roles in planning for events,” Eddy said.

Ballarat will host the under-18 nationals from April 11-18.