On Sunday afternoon 3rd November there was an eventful afternoon at the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame. Besides the two inductees to the Hall of Fame – basketballer, Jenny Whittle and cyclist Robbie McEwan – our wonderful Croquet and Gateball mentor, coach and referee Mr. Keith McLeod was presented with the “Spirit of Sport” Medal. This new medal was designated in the honour of Daphne Pirie, AO, MBE who has long been an influential figure in sport in QLD and President of the Sporting Hall of Fame.
The Citation is listed below so you can see why Keith was selected because he has given so much to Gateball and Croquet over a long period of time.
“The Daphne Pirie AO MBE Spirit of Sport Medal will be awarded to an athlete, coach, administrator or sport volunteer ( or combination thereof) who, through their long and meritorious involvement in either their chosen sport or in sporting pursuits generally demonstrates the true meaning of sportsmanship. A Medal recipient will demonstrate most of the following attributes:
. Involvement over an extended period of time, ideally in a voluntary capacity.
. Made a real and measurable difference to their sport or to sport generally.
. Positively affected both their sport and that sport’s participants.
. Exhibited selflessness, courage, dedication and commitment to the advancement of their chosen sport or sport in general and to individual participants.
. As a minimum, represented the State as an athlete and/or in an administrative role but has a strong affiliation with the Gold Coast.
Keith used his “thank you” speech to foster interest in and promote Gateball and Croquet on the Gold Coast as well as relate the success of Robert Fletcher in winning the 2013 World Croquet Championship in the UK.
Congratulations, Keith!
