The role sport has played in shaping Tamworth will be celebrated at a special dinner next month.
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As part of Tamworth’s bicentenary commemorations, the local branch of the Men of League Foundation is holding a Sportsperson Gala Dinner at West Tamworth Leagues Club on Saturday November 10.
“We were approached by Mike Cashman about doing something because sport has been an important part of Tamworth’s growth and it went from there,” MOL member Ron Surtees said.
The dinner will acknowledge the achievements of the sporting men and women that have reached the pinnacle of representing Australia.
At this stage 26 of the 57 athletes that feature on the Sporting Wall of Fame have responded to say they will be in attendance, which Surtees said is “well beyond our dreams”.
That list includes hockey heroes Kate Jenner, Des King, Matthew Smith, Anne Brown (nee Stevenson), Kim Tuckwell (nee Small), shooters Clive and George Barton, and John Sleightholme, rugby union reps Tom Bowman, Pip Carter, Bill McKidd and Paddy Ryan, Juanita Gaid (nee Little) (aerobics), Leonie Coleman (cricket), Lauren Hogan (floorball), Jim Leis, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (rugby league), Barry Biffin, Bryson Roser, Scott Miller, Todd Carey (tent pegging), Michael Chapman (touch football), Heath Behncke, Nathan Thomas, Craig Miller (water polo) and Patrick Hunt (basketball).
Hunt, who called time on his illustrious coaching career earlier this year, will be the guest speaker.
A special booklet featuring the biographies of each of the athletes has been produced, and all the athletes will receive a special polo short.
The dinner will double as a fundraiser for the MOL.
Tickets are $80 per head or $800 a table of 10 and include a two-course meal and limited drinks.
They can be purchased online at wtlc.com.au or in person at Wests Leagues Club by no later than November 3.
