JIM Grech is Gloucester’s “Sports Star of the Year” for 2024.
He was among the many athletes recognised for their sporting achievements at the Gloucester Sports Committee’s Sports Awards presentation held on Saturday, 10 May at the Gloucester Bowling and Recreation Club.
Jim was acknowledged for his outstanding achievements in Blind Bowls.
In 2024, his results included:
– Gold Medal in the Singles of the NSW/ACT Blind Bowls B1 State Championships;
– Gold Medal winner in the Pairs in the Blind Bowls B1 State Championships;
– Winner of the Singles in the Blind Bowls B1 division at the 2024 National Championships;
– Silver Medal in the Pairs of the Blind Bowls B1 competition at the 2024 National Championships.
“Jim also participated at club level in Men’s Championships and social bowls regularly in 2024,” said Gloucester Sports Committee’s Lorraine Forbes.
“He couldn’t have achieved any of these results without the support of Rob Heininger who acts as his guide/director for all events.
“Jim was unable to attend the presentation as he has been competing in the Blind Bowls National Championships in Western Australia where he was named the Men’s Singles Gold Medal winner.
“Congratulations Jim!”
Guest speaker for the evening was former Gloucester local Chris Webb, who provided the audience with an insight into his time as General Manager of the Wallabies and as the High-Performance Director for Equestrian Australia.
“Unfortunately, Chris was unable to attend in person, but did appear via video link to provide some inspiring words and encouragement for our young athletes,” Lorraine said.
“Many thanks to Chris for filling in at the last minute when our scheduled guest speaker was unable to attend.”
Brian Beesley took the helm as MC and kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.
Alec (Barney) McInnes was acknowledged posthumously as a “Local Legend” for his involvement in Gloucester sport over many years.
Barney’s grandson, Nathan, accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather, with all the family invited to the floor for a photo.
Encouragement Award medals were presented to Elizabeth Charlier, Josh Compton, Matthew Rozynski, Oliver Rentell, Olivia Lewis, Kalahni McEvoy, Chay Harris, Hudson Honeyman, Jacob Grant, Oscar Campbell, Lochlan Martin and Tayleigha Potts in acknowledgement of their sportsmanship and effort in their chosen sports throughout 2024.
Also presented on the night were certificates in recognition of the continued involvement of those Gloucester sportspersons who are aged 75-plus.
“This year those who were acknowledged are Jill Everett (Bowls) and Judy Hopkins (Croquet),” Lorraine said.
Other winners on the night were:
Junior: Jarrah Baker (Hockey)
Senior: Charlotte Maslen (Rugby Union)
Veteran: Neville Atkins (Bowls)
Junior Team: Barrington Public School PSSA Netball Team
Senior Team: Gloucester Netball 17 Years State Team
Coach: Cathy Beard (Barrington Public School Netball Team)
Match Official: Tonia Channon (Netball)
Club Administrator: Kate Atkins (Basketball)
Event of the Year: Netball Crazy Hair and Sock Day for Cancer Research
Para Athlete: Jim Grech (Bowls)
The Gloucester Sports Committee wishes to thank Gloucester Community Shop and Gloucester Rotary Club for their ongoing sponsorship and the sponsors of each award category.
