Type=image;ImageID=2169;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Sporting champions officially immortalised in Wolverhampton's Hall of Fame;TitleClass=strong;
Liz Brown, Helen Lower and Michael Ayre, who have represented the city with distinction in squash, table tennis and swimming respectively, were inducted into the Wolverhampton Sporting Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Aldersley Leisure Village on Saturday (21 September, 2013).
Meanwhile, Oxley Park Golf Club became the latest club or association to make it into its Hall of Fame after celebrating its 100th anniversary last week.
The Sporting Hall of Fame was launched in 1999 by Wolverhampton City Council and Wolverhampton City Sports Advisory Council to recognise the achievements of sportsmen and women on a national and international stage. Already, dozens of famous faces have been immortalised, both in the pages of a special Hall of Fame book - now on its second volume - and on wooden plaques which adorn the walls of Aldersley Leisure Village.
Liz, a member of Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club who represented her country at Masters level, said: "I've been so privileged to have a career doing something that I enjoy and I'm really honoured to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
"I didn't realise so many stars came from Wolverhampton until I saw the Hall of Fame, so it's wonderful for the city."
Helen, who represented England more than 100 times, winning 17 national table tennis titles, added: "I've read the names on the Hall of Fame when I've been to Aldersley Leisure Village previously and some of the athletes are world class, so for me to be included is a great honour and a great privilege."
Michael, whose achievements as a swimming coach helped put Wolverhampton on the map, was unable to attend but his daughter Tracey Ayre said: "We are really proud of dad and as a family we are chuffed - it's a marvellous thing for him. It's a superb accolade for someone who really deserves it."
Saturday's ceremony was attended by friends and family as well as sporting colleagues and civic dignitaries.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "The Sporting Hall of Fame provides a fitting and lasting tribute to the sportsmen and sportswomen of both amateur and professional status who have represented Wolverhampton with such distinction on a national and international stage."
Peter Holmes MBE, Chairman of the Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council, added: "The members of the Sporting Hall of Fame have all dominated a world stage, either by playing or coaching, and have been wonderful role models for youngster generations.
"It is right and proper that their achievements should be marked in this way."
Picture: Inducted into the Sporting Fall of Fame were Liz Brown (front left), Helen Lower (front right) and Michael Ayre, represented by his grandchildren George and Chloe Boulton. Also pictured are, back row, left to right, Peter Holmes MBE, chairman of Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council, captains Doreen Banks and Roger Cox from Oxley Park Golf Club, which was also inducted into the Sporting Hall of Fame, Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal, Mayoress of Wolverhampton Councillor Jasbir Jaspal and Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities Councillor Elias Mattu.
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- released: Monday 23 September, 2013