The Otago Special Olympics Powerlifting coach returned home last night after winning the Lotto New Zealand Sport Maker Award at the Sport and Recreation Awards in Auckland on Monday night.
As she emerged into the public area at Dunedin Airport, she spied her team lined up to greet her.
Her smile grew wider and wider, and there were hugs all round.
Ms Young had arranged for another volunteer to train the six team members last night but, unbeknown to her, the team was instead standing in wait at the airport.
Kate Hall, whose 26-year-old son, Lucas, is on the team, travelled to Auckland with Ms Young for the ceremony.
The award was ''fantastic'' recognition for someone who ''voluntarily coaches our athletes to amazing results''.
Mrs Hall nominated Ms Young for the award last year, which she narrowly missed out on.
Judges were obviously impressed and selected her for the award this time around.
''The reason I nominated her is her passion and what she does for the team - she understands them. The levels they've reached under her guidance have been incredible,'' Mrs Hall said.
The team was ''respected'' in both Special Olympic and mainstream powerlifting competitions.
A video about her volunteer work played at the ceremony on Monday and prompted a ''standing ovation'' from those at Langham Hotel.
''There was not a dry eye in the house - the reaction was amazing,'' Ms Hall said.
Sports NZ chief executive Peter Miskimmin said Ms Young was ''passionate and knowledgeable''.
''From one-on-one training to fundraising, she is the quintessential volunteer in Kiwi sport.''
Ms Young said the recognition was ''awesome''.
