Bowls Australia has today announced the star-studded list of inductees into its inaugural Hall of Fame.
The BCiB Hall of Fame aims to commemorate the sport’s most deserving figures for their achievements both on and off the green, with induction representing the highest level of peer recognition for an individual’s performance or contribution to the sport.
Hall of Fame membership has been divided into two categories, with 29 athletes and nine general members awarded induction.
Athlete members are those who have competed at international competition level for Australia, while general members are selected for excellence and outstanding achievement in roles supportive to the sport of bowls including administration, coaching and officiating, media and history, sports science and technology.
“I’m probably a bit numb at the moment,” national coach Steve Glasson said after being informed of his selection.
“I honestly didn’t expect it.
“I knew there would be so many great candidates who have done so much for the sport over such a long period of time, so I thought perhaps someone might be kind enough to nominate me but at no stage did I ever consider that I would be included.
“It probably hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m honoured to be involved with a list of people who have done so much for the sport both on and off the greens so it’s a massive thrill.”
Former champion Glyn Bosisto, who was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, will be bestowed as the sport’s first ‘legend’.
Bosisto, who is one of bowls preeminent players, represented Australia, New South Wales and Victoria 256 times and created so many records that he was dubbed the (Sir Donald) `Bradman of bowls’ by his peers.
“Glyn’s name is just synonymous with bowls,” Glasson said.
“So when you join that sort of list and see some of the names that are on there, it is quite scary really.
“I’m very humbled and very honoured, and really looking forward to the night to help celebrate these peoples success as well.
“Obviously my heart goes out to those that were nominated and didn’t quite get there, because I am sure that list was incredible as well and their time will come.”
New members will be subsequently inducted into the Hall of Fame during the Bowls Australia Awards Night each year.
The induction ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 7 at the Stamford Grand in Adelaide.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.bowlsaustralia.com.au or 03 9480 7100.
The inaugural inductees for the BCiB Hall of Fame are:
Pre ‘49
General
Alfred ALLEY Vic. *
John MONRO Vic. *
John YOUNG NSW. *
Athlete
Charles McNEILL NSW. *
1950-74
General
W Jack SPEAR Vic. *
Keith WILSON Vic. *
Naomi WOLINSKI NSW. *
Athlete
Glyn BOSISTO Vic. *
Errol BUNGEY OAM S.A.
John DOBBIE Vic. *
Connie HICKS OAM W.A.
Dot JENKINSON Vic. *
Mary ORMSBY OAM S.A.
1975-99
General
Catherine (Mimi) FROST OAM NSW.
Charles FROST NSW.
Athlete
Cameron CURTIS NSW.
Rex JOHNSTON OAM NSW.
Dennis KATUNARICH W.A.
Norma MASSEY OAM Vic.
Mavis MEADOWCROFT Vic. *
Robert MIDDLETON OAM Vic.
Robert PARRELLA OAM Qld.
Keith POOLE MBE Qld.
Peter RHEUBEN NSW.
Merle RICHARDSON OAM NSW.
Alf SANDERCOCK S.A. *
Ian SCHUBACK OAM Qld.
Daphne SHAW NSW.
John SNELL OAM Vic.
Steve SRHOY W.A.
Margaret SUMNER OAM Vic.
Ken WILLIAMS OAM ACT. *
Ken WOODS ACT.
2000-10
General
Betty COLLINS OAM Vic.
Athlete
Lynsey ARMITAGE Qld.
Steve GLASSON NSW.
Kelvin KERKOW OAM Qld.
Karen MURPHY NSW.
LEGENDS
Glyn BOSISTO*
* Indicates that the inductee is deceased
Click here for more information on the BCiB Hall of Fame.