Meijer State Games of Michigan Announces 2025 Volunteers of the Year
Volunteer of the Year is presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union
Grand Rapids, Mich., January 15, 2026 – Officials with the Meijer State Games of Michigan announced three East Grand Rapids High School water polo players as their 2025 Volunteer of the Year in Thomas Conklin, Whitaker Hill, and Cameron Saydazamov. Following the Meijer State Games of Michigan – Summer Games, a volunteer is selected as Volunteer of the Year between both the Winter and Summer Games. The recipient is nominated by athletes, fellow volunteers, spectators, and tournament directors. Lake Michigan Credit Union is a proud supporter of Meijer State Games of Michigan volunteers and proud to present the Volunteer of the Year award.
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year along with the 2025 Athletes of the Year will be recognized at the 2026 Summer Games Opening Ceremony taking place on Friday, June 26 at the Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford, Michigan.
A Meijer State Games of Michigan first, this trio of water polo players were instrumental to the success of the first-year adult water polo competition as part of Summer Games held June 21-22 at the East Kentwood High School natatorium. Their dedication to the sport, even while not playing, gave others the chance to play a sport they love themselves. With their East Grand Rapids water polo coach managing the tournament, Conklin, Hill, and Saydazamov assisted and ran all the other tasks that ensure a tournament’s success, including the scoring table, shot clock, and exclusion flags. Their attitude made it a fun weekend for all who participated.
Conklin credits water polo with having a significant impact on his life, giving him a sport he can always rely on for energy, challenge, and genuine enjoyment. He thrives on the competitive environment and the excitement of facing strong programs across the state, which motivates him to work harder both in and out of the water. For Hill, he has learned firsthand that success in water polo requires far more than enthusiasm; it demands exceptional mental toughness, discipline, and physical preparation. He values water polo for the sportsmanship it fosters, and the tight-knit relationships built through shared struggles and successes. Lastly for Saydazamov, he has navigated competitive and personal challenges with determination, shaping his reputation as a resilient and disciplined athlete. It has paid off, earning First Team All-State honors. Outside the pool, Saydazamov is known for his strong work ethic, humility, and commitment to continual growth.
The passion shown in the pool and beyond is a testament to their character and how they treat others. Young volunteers such as Conklin, Hill, and Saydazamov are shining examples of the Meijer State Games of Michigan way, and pave a bright future for sporting opportunities for all.
Previous Volunteers of the Year award winners include:
- 2024: Jim Murray
- 2023: Shari Hoke
- 2022: Don Passenger
- 2021: Mike Nutting
- 2019: Gary Wilfong Sr and Gary Wilfong Jr
- 2018: Jeff DeRegnaucourt
- 2017: Tony Schaub
- 2016: John Schowalter
- 2015: Isaac Washburn
- 2014: Joe Pontious
- 2013: Bruce Bustin
- 2012: Jim Haan
- 2011: Rhonda Bowens
About the Meijer State Games of Michigan: The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event for athletes of all ages and abilities. Each year, 50+ sporting events take place and over 8,500 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Like the Olympics, the State Games features an opening ceremony for athletes. The flagship event of the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan is a member of the National Congress of State Games and is one of 30 State Games programs in the United States. Since 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted over 110,000 athletes and contributed more than $42 million in estimated economic impact. For more information, visit StateGamesOfMichigan.com.
