Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
GARETH JOHN HONOURED IN QUEENS BIRTHDAY LIST
Gareth John, Chairman of the Federation of Disability Sport Wales, has today been honoured in the 2009 Queens Birthday list for ‘services to sport’.
John, of Govilon, nr Abergavenny, has served Disability Sport Wales for over twenty years, the majority of that time as Chairman.
He has led the development of the Federation, guiding it through its early years as a voluntary organisation into the professional body that it has become today.
John is delighted with the award and views it as recognition for the work of the organisation which he serves;
‘I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of a host of participants and athletes, the volunteers who support them and the highly committed professionals in disability sport here in Wales who work so hard to create the opportunities for their involvement in sport.
The massive strides we have witnessed in disability sport over the past seven or eight years would not have been possible without the support of our partners The Welsh Assembly Government and the Sports Council for Wales, together with the Local Authorities and our sponsors, led by Ace Feet in Motion.
It is a huge pleasure and privilege to work with them all’
Jim Munkley MBE, a fellow Board member with John said;
‘It has been a pleasure to work alongside Gareth over many years. He is hugely committed to disability sport and has always led from the front. This is richly deserved for an individual who has given so much to the development of our sport in Wales.’
Executive Director of Disability Sport Wales, Jon Morgan commented;
‘We are thrilled that Gareth has been recognised for his many years of service, not only to disability sport but to Welsh sport in general. Gareth has been incredibly supportive toward our staff and volunteers and has given selflessly in support of the programmes we deliver. A tremendous honour for one of Welsh sports great volunteers’.
John’s interest and commitment to sport extends well beyond disability sport. In 2005, he became Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales, a position he retains as Team Wales prepares for Delhi 2010.
Anne Ellis, President of the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales said;
‘The Commonwealth Games Council for Wales is delighted with this news.
This is brilliant for Welsh sport and is long overdue. Gareth has given a lifetime to serving Welsh and particularly disability sport, whose programme is now the envy of many countries.’
John also serves as a Director on the Boards of the Football Association of Wales Trust and Welsh Sports Association.
Phil Carling, Chairman of the Sports Council for Wales said;
‘I am delighted to hear this news. Gareth has been a tremendous servant of Welsh Sport and in-particular disability sport.This award is richly deserved. Gareth epitomises the role of the volunteer in sport and it is appropriate that the significant contribution that he has made on behalf of so many organisations has now been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday List.’
Commenting is closed for this article.
