Queen’s Birthday Honours bowl pair over
Former Bowls Australia board director Ian McKnight and former secretary of the Australian Blind Bowlers Association Kerry McGuire were both recognised for their contribution to the sport during yesterday’s Queen’s Birthday Honours with Medals of the Order of Australia.
Tweed Head’s McKnight was rewarded for his extensive service to bowls supporting the Cudgen Leagues Bowls Club, where he has been bestowed life membership, Tweed Byron District Bowling Association, NSW’s Zone 1 Bowling Association, where he is also a life member, and the Royal New South Wales Bowling Association.
Mr McKnight has held numerous positions with the RNSWBA, including the Vice President and Senior Vice President postings before taking the reins as President for a three year period up until last year, and is currently the Deputy President.
In 2000, Mr McKnight’s contribution to the sport was officially recognised when he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal.
Kerry McGuire was also one of 582 Australians honoured during yesterday’s celebrations for their diverse contributions and service to the nation.
Mr McGuire, who suffers from retinitus pigmentosa, which causes severe vision impairedness and the gradual loss of sight, held the integral position of secretary of the ABBA for a 25 year period until 2011.
Mr McGuire was Blind Sports Victoria president from 1982 to ’86, the Australian Blind Bowlers Association secretary from 1982 to ’88, and again from 1993 to 2011, and also received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
“It’s what you put in to it that you get out,” Mr McGuire said.
“I’ve been more involved in administration, I did play but I’m really more known for my involvement as an administrator, which I enjoyed because you’re able to do things, achieve things.
“I’ve been a little bit confined because of my health, but you have choices, you can either cope with it or you can sink into the walls.
“I’m really lucky that I have my family, and children.”
Bowls Australia congratulate Ian and Kerry on their thoroughly deserved success.
