4th March 2010 12:00
Sirje Lippe began her career as an athlete and over the course of time extended her association with the sport to a wide variety of roles - coaching, mentoring, physiotherapy and now as an administrator.
The 43-year-old is the serving general secretary of the Estonian athletics federation.
The Estonian national winner of the inaugural European Athletics Women's Leadership Awards, Lippe has been involved in several charity events, most notably the school children road relay where around 10,000 children from every county in Estonia run for charity.
Her work and commitment to the sport speaks for itself, but when asked about her personal motivation, Lippe said, 'For me it is essential to value people and humanity. It may sound very simple but unfortunately this is something that we often forget.
'I would say service to humanity is my raison d'íªtre, and it is not a cliché.'
Besides being a part of the organising committees of several major events in Estonia, Lippe has been involved in creating and developing several educational programs for coaches.
Lippe has used her people skills to form key relationships with sports organisations around the world.
However she sees plenty of room for improvement when it comes to participation of women - in leadership positions in particular.
'It is important to give us a voice, listen to what we say and increase access to decision making,' said Lippe.
'First, there needs to be an increase in the awareness of female sport in society. Female athletes should take their status as a role model in society seriously. Second, more young people need to be brought to the sport. We cannot be afraid of bringing in changes.'
At the same time Lippe praises her country for the progress it has made in terms of gender equity.
'I already see positive signs in Estonia where more and more women get involved in decision making. More and more female athletes remain active in promoting their sport after retirement.'
Lippe's deeds talk even louder than her words. She not only talks about encouraging women to move into the sports world but is leading by example, grooming her own daughter to serve Estonian sports. Currently, her daughter is involved in organising sports events in Estonia.
Lippe's contribution to society extends beyond athletics. She is a board member of the 'Estonian Strategy of Hart', a government health project, and a delegate of the assembly of the Estonian National Olympic Committee.
Even in her moment of glory, Lippe remembers to express her gratitude to all those who helped her along the way.
'I've always received support from my colleagues in Estonia as well as in other European countries. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of them.'