Unsung heroes hailed sporting stars
Released: 26 November 2007
A woman who has devoted her time and skills to a swimming club for more than half a century was one of the unsung heroes recognised at a special presentation.
Margaret Holmes was awarded the RV Cook Memorial Trophy by members of Wolverhampton City Sports Advisory Council in recognition of her 54 years’ service to Wolverhampton Swimming Club.
Margaret is a qualified official and swimming teacher and, in her citation, club colleagues said: “Margaret is the perfect example of an enthusiastic volunteer.
“Her loyalty to the swimming club is testament to this, as is her continued contribution to the aims and ideals of swimming and the support she has given to the governing bodies.”
Margaret, who received a trophy given in memory of Reg Cook, founder member of the Sports Advisory Council, was one of 15 members of the city’s amateur sports scene to receive awards at last Tuesday night’s ceremony, hosted by Wolverhampton Mayor, Councillor Trudy Bowen.
Recipients of awards from the Sports Advisory Council included voluntary administrators, coaches, officials and sportsmen and women who have contributed to a range of sports, from basketball and netball to hockey and speedway.
Gordon Jones, who devotes his time and energy to Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club, was among those who were applauded for their efforts.
Gordon, who carries out tasks ranging from setting up and marshalling road races to maintaining membership records, was awarded the H E Lane Memorial Trophy, which commemorates the contribution of Alderman Ted Lane OBE to sport in Wolverhampton and is given to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the furtherance of sport in the city.
Club members who put him forward for the award said: “No organiser could wish for a better team player than Gordon.
“He is the sort of guy who, when given a job, will get it done quickly and quietly - and done very well indeed.
“He is one of those guys whose unselfish actions all too often go unnoticed and we feel it only right that his unstinting commitment be recognised by Wolverhampton as part of the city’s sporting heritage.”
More than a dozen people also received Certificates of Merit for their contribution to sport in Wolverhampton. They included Sinclair Thomas, Kyle Marsh, Tom Docherty and Fred Howley (basketball); Mick Pedley (cycle speedway); Vickey Morgan (race walking); Jackie and James Royall (netball); Sue Myers (hockey) and Jane Cooling, Kate Mullinder, Ben Thomas and Chris Fox (swimming).
Peter Holmes, Chair of Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council, said: “The awards ceremony was a tremendous success and it was very pleasing that we were able to highlight the sporting endeavours of so many people.
“Their efforts are so important to the furtherance of sport in our city, and they should be very proud of their contributions.”
To find out more about the Wolverhampton City Sports Advisory Council call 01902 552140.
Issued by the press office.