Gerry Hewson and Neville Smith were pleasantly surprised to be announced inaugural inductees of Young’s Sporting Walk of Fame at the weekend.
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In what has been a three year endeavour for the Young Sports Advisory Committee (YSAC) - who initially set out to create a hall of fame based at the Young Shire Council offices - finally became a reality on Saturday night.
Walk of Fame inductees will have plaques displaying their achievements erected in Marina Street. The signs will be of a similar nature to those erected along Boorowa Street that currently chronicle the history of Young.
According to YSAC secretary Steve Brill the signs will be erected within the next six months.
The Walk of Fame recognises the contribution of individuals who have achieved high results in their chosen field, whether it be as a player, or an outstanding and long serving coach, administrator or umpire.
Fitting that category is former local, Hewson, who was the first inductee of the two announced on the night.
Hewson was left paraplegic at 22 years after a serious motorcycle accident in 1980.
But it didn’t stop the man who went on to represent Australia at four Paralympic Games and coached wheelchair basketball at a national and international level.
He won a gold medal, received a Medal of the Order of Australia, and was named as part of the league’s All Star Five.
Brill was pleased to see Hewson selected for the honour as recognition of his excellent international record.
“I am not aware of anyone from Young who has achieved as much over such a long period of time,” he said.
“Gerry Hewson is a classic example of someone who has an incredible record but could not achieve while in Young.
“Many of these people return to Young but later generations are unfamiliar with their achievements – the Walk of Fame is a way to recognise, reward and remember these achievements and at the same time give the younger generations something to aspire to.”
Also earning himself a much-deserved plaque is Neville Smith who has been described by the YSAC as a local sporting hero.
Smith moved to Young in the mid-70s and has since had a strong presence in local sporting groups, particularly rugby league.
He has dedicated many years as a committee member of local, Group 9 and Country rugby league. He was named Senior Sportsperson for 2002, and received Young Sport Council’s Continuing Service to Sport Award at Young’s Australia Day awards ceremony in 2008.
“The fact that he has been awarded four to five life memberships of various organisations of which he has been involved with is testament to his committment to sport,” Brill said.
Smith continues to serve as the president of Young Rugby League’s old boys committee and as the major sponsor of several sporting clubs.
The YSAC welcome nominations for consideration as future inductees.
Nomination forms can be obtained by contacting Brill at steve@seedtech.com.au or on 0429 848 682.
“We would also like to thank the Young Shire Council for the financial and moral support to ensure the Walk of Fame becomes a reality for Young,” he said.
