Jim Grech named Sports Star of the Year

BOWLING sensation Jim Grech has been named Gloucester’s Sports Star of the Year for 2025.

He was among the many athletes recognised for their sporting achievements at the Gloucester Sports Committee’s Sports Awards presentation held on Saturday, 9 May at the Gloucester Bowling and Recreation Club.

“The night was a great success with 150 adults and juniors filling the auditorium,” said the committee’s Lorraine Forbes.

Mr Grech was acknowledged for his outstanding achievements in Blind Bowls.

In 2025, his results included a gold medal in Category B1 Singles and a bronze medal in Pairs at the National Blind Bowls Championships held in Perth.

He also took home a silver medal in Singles and a bronze in Pairs at the NSW Blind Bowls Championships held in Gloucester.

Mr Grech participated at club level in Men’s Championships and Social Bowls regularly in 2025 with the dedicated support of Rob Heininger, who acts as his director/guide for all events.

Following the awards presentation, Mr Grech travelled to compete in the 2026 Blind Bowls National Championships at Tweed Heads (13-18 May).

Local sporting identity Karen White was on hand to provide the audience with an insight into her 50-year association with hockey and the opportunities the sport has provided her.

“She also had some inspiring words and encouragement for our young athletes,” Lorraine said.

Brian Beesley was the MC for the event and kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.

“He was ably assisted by our young local sporting talent, Miss Courtney Webeck, who entertained the younger audience members throughout the evening with some novel activities,” Lorraine said.

Two Local Legends were acknowledged for their involvement in Gloucester sport over many years: Mrs Betty Pearson for her 60-year contribution to netball and Mr Colin Weismantel (posthumous) for his long-term involvement in croquet.

Betty was on hand to receive her award from Sports Committee President John Hughes while Colin’s son, Tony, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

Encouragement Award medals were presented in acknowledgement of sportsmanship and effort throughout 2025.

Also presented on the night were certificates in recognition of the continued involvement of Gloucester sportspersons aged 75-plus.

Acknowledged with certificates this year were Val Pritchard, Gordon Pritchard, Paul Sheridan and Peter Sansom, who are all involved in bowls.
Other winners on the night were:

Junior – Charlie Coombe (Athletics)

Veteran – Neville Atkins (Bowls)

Junior Team – Gloucester Public School PSSA Hockey Team

Senior Team – Gloucester Bowling Club’s Grade 7 Pennant Team

Coach – Hayden White (Gloucester Public School Hockey Team)

Match Official – Chris Rose (Soccer)

Club Administrator – Margo Cameron (Netball)

Event of the Year – NSW/ACT State Blind Bowls Championships

Para Athlete – Jim Grech (Bowls)

“A special thanks to the sporting clubs who acknowledged the achievements of their members in 2025 with an outstanding number of nominations once again,” Lorraine said.

“Thank you also to Mrs Claire Pontin (Mayor, MidCoast Council) and Ms Alison Penfold (Federal Member for Lyne) who were able to attend to assist with the presentation of some of the awards.”