Sporting Walk of Fame opened despite weather

“After seven years of planning, research, consultation and collaboration Young’s Sporting Walk of Fame was officially opened on Saturday,” Young Sports Council’s Ben Cooper said.

“The rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of inductees and supporters who packed into the Club room at Young Swimming Club to hear the stories of the inductee’s achievements.”

Friends, family and fans all gathered at the newly refurbished Young Aquatic Centre Club rooms to initiate eight local sporting legends into the walk.

Former paralympian basketballer Gerry Hewson OAM, Rugby League legend Neville Smith, former Australian internation Rugby League player Ron Lynch, Cricketer Bill Cameron, Race walker Kerry Saxby-Junna, Rugby League legend Tony Young, Boxing great Lester Sheather and golfing professional Rick Oliver were awarded plaques both in person and posthumously for their achievements in their various fields.

Kerry Saxby-Junna, Lester Sheather, Rick Oliver, Ron Lynch and Gerry Hewson added to the walk for their sporting excellence whilst Bill Cameron, Tony Young and Neville Smith were included in the local hero category.

“Stretching from the Young Aquatic Centre up toward Young Bowling Club, there are now eight signs in place celebrating the sporting achievements and contributions of some amazing residents and people who used to call Young Home,” Cooper said.

Cooper was full of praise for the volunteers which worked so hard to make this community project a reality.

“We are so lucky to have committed and enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to work together and do the hard work to see community projects like this come together.”

As of next Tuesday nomination forms will be available on the front counter of Young’s Hilltops Council Office if people wish to nominate someone for the Sporting Walk of Fame. Each year inductees are announced at the Young Sport’s Advisory Committee’s annual awards night.