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Parkes Phoenix

Olympic Memories Part 3: Up Close And Personal With Athletes

October 9, 2020 By editor

Mal Westcott wearing his Sydney Olympics shirt he had to wear as a bus driver, his accreditation around his neck and his cap with lots of different pins given to him by athletes.

While many Parkes residents attended the 2000 Sydney Olympics as spectators, Mal Westcott went there to work and came home with very memorable experiences.

He not only ended up with a bronze Olympic medal around his neck, but also had a long conversation with an elite athlete he picked up from the airport.

Mal was one of about eight bus drivers from Parkes who were recruited by Peter Harris to go with his buses to Sydney. He was the only one who went for six weeks, and that meant he was there two weeks before the Games started.

“I was fortunate to be chosen to transport athletes and that involved picking them up from the airport as they arrived before the start of the event.”

Mal said the main highlight of his six weeks came when he was waiting in the common room at the airport to be called out. When his turn came, he only had three passengers: Roger Federer and his chiro, plus an archer from somewhere in Europe.

He took the three in his 50-seater bus with Roger sitting in the front seat chatting to him all the way to the athlete’s village. “He’s been my hero ever since! I’ve been following his tennis career very closely.”

The other highlight for Mal was his association with the German women’s soccer team. He first picked them up for a training session, and they asked if he could be their driver again for their match against Norway.

“They were the favourites for the gold medal, and were not too concerned about playing Norway.”

“They asked me to tell them when we were 25 minutes from the Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park so they can start listening to their motivational tapes.”

The Germans had a horror match scoring an own goal and loosing.

They ended up playing for the bronze medal and again asked Mal to pick them up. The only event Mal ever saw of the Olympics was the medal ceremony with Germany getting the bronze.

“They were very happy and did not want to go home. They asked me to take them to the ‘German House’ where they wanted to celebrate. They included me in the celebrations and put one of the medals around my neck. That felt pretty special to have a bronze Olympic medal on.”

Although the six weeks away from home became very long, and the days of ten or more hours of work very tiring, Mal said he really enjoyed his interaction with the athletes. He remembers picking up the Australian basketball team, which was also a special highlight.

“I am very happy I did it. It was an eye opener in many ways. It was such a big event and so much involved logistically just in organising transport, let alone everything else. It was really well organised. We did see some overkill, but that is probably why it was so successful.”

By Maggi Barnard

Olympic Memories Part 2: Awesome And Phenomenal Time

October 2, 2020 By editor

Dusty Powter holds the stick that Stephen scored the goal with in the Olympic match that won them the bronze medal. Behind him is Stephen’s framed Australian jersey from his testimonial match played in Parkes signed by the Australian and Parkes teams that was sold on auction.

“It was a time when emotions went off the chart,” is Dusty Powter’s recollection of not only attending the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but also the build-up of events in Parkes.

“I will never forget Australian hockey player Stephen Davies leading the procession in the chariot for the Olympic torch relay in Parkes and the carnival at Pioneer Oval. Before that was the filming of the IBM ad, which gave Parkes the best ever advertising all over world. I had family and friends calling from England and Germany who had seen it.”

For Dusty to see his life long friend he had grown up with in Parkes play for Australia in the Olympics was just unreal.

“I had tickets for every hockey game for the men and women and was there for two weeks. Every time Stephen ran on the field, scored a goal or a clip of him was shown on the big screens, tears were running. I was so proud of him, and none of it ever went to his head.”

According to Dusty, an avid hockey player himself and former coach and sponsor of Mariah Williams and sponsor for Kurt Lovett, the Olympics is the pinnacle for hockey. For Stephen to have retired with three Olympic medals (two silver and a bronze from Sydney) is just fantastic.

“It was a big deal for Parkes hockey the day Stephen made it on the national team. He really was the Maradona of hockey. He was just a freak. And the amazing thing is he never forgot where he came from.”

Dusty clearly remembers how friendly and helpful everyone was in Sydney.

“There was such a carnival atmosphere and so many Parkes people with banners in support of Stephen. It was just an awesome and phenomenal time!”

By Maggi Barnard

Women’s Bowls

October 2, 2020 By editor

Di Howell, Merilyn Rodgers, Lea Orr and Maree Grant will play in the Club Fours final next week.

A great roll up of 26 players on Tuesday. The semi-finals of the Club Fours were decided. The final is next week at 9:30am with Kay Craft/Maureen Miller/Joan Simpson/Heather Harvey vs Di Howell/Merilyn Rodgers/Lea Orr/Maree Grant.

The first round of the Minor Singles must be played on or before 13th October: Carol Reed vs Laurie Keane; Maureen Miller vs Jan McPhee; Lynn Ryan, Bye; Lorraine Baker, Bye.

Daylight saving begins Sunday. To play social bowls next Tuesday, call between 8:30-9am, play starts at 9:30.

Women’s Bowls

September 4, 2020 By editor

New President 2020/2021 Maureen Miller and outgoing President 2019/2020 Merilyn Rodgers.

The spring sun brought 29 bowlers out to play at the club on Tuesday. 17 social bowlers enjoyed their play on such a stunning day and the first round of Club Triples was also played.

The results of the first round of Club Triples were G Carty, C Frame and R Went defeating L Orr, L Baker and E Miller, 25-9. B Davies, B Johnstone and L Byrne defeated C Reed, K Evans and J McPhee, 25-7.

The draw for Triples matches to be played on Tuesday, 8 September are B Davies, B Johnstone and L Byrne vs L Ryan, M Rodgers and M Grant. G Carty, C Frame and R Went vs M Miller, J Simpson and H Harvey.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday, 1 September with outgoing President, Merilyn thanking all present, and presenting her report. All positions were filled for next year with positions as follows:
• President: Maureen Miller
• Vice President: Merilyn Rodgers
• Secretary: Heather Harvey
• Committee: D Howell, C Curteis, L Baker, L Orr, K Craft.
• Selection committee: A Jones, L Byrne, B Johnstone.
• Match committee: M Iffland, B Davies, K Evans, C Frame

The new committee will be meeting on Tuesday, 8 September at 1.30 pm. To play social bowls on Tuesday please call the club on 6862 1446, between 9-9.30am.

By Lea Orr

Tuesday Netball News

September 4, 2020 By editor

There were some more forfeits again this week but with the nicer weather on the way hopefully there are more people ready to get out and enjoy netball. If your team is forfeiting and you have umpiring duties please make sure you have someone to umpire for that week. Also please be reminded to be COVID safe by washing your hands, using hand sanitiser and wherever possible practice social distancing, no hi fives/handshakes and those considered high risk should not attend. If anyone is interested in joining the great little committee or helping out in some way please see a committee member and let them know, there a plenty of jobs to go around. Any queries, please contact Kahlia Hayes 0400 023 518 or Hayley Hofman 0417 265 668

Round 8 Results
• Parkes Cellars won by forfeit against Broken Fingers
• Net Ballin won by forfeit against Little Potential
• U17s Rep 37 def U15s Rep 19
• PHS Teachers 44 def Untouchaballs 9
• Platelets won by forfeit against The Railway Hotel
• Domin8 17 def U13s Reps 15

Round 9 – 1st September
Mixed – Court 1: 6pm Broken Fingers vs Little Potential (Umpires: Cellars & Net Ballin). 7pm Parkes Cellar vs Net Ballin (Umpires: Broken fingers & Little Potential)

B Grade Ladies – Court 3: 6pm PHS Teachers vs U15s Rep (Umpires: Untouchaballs & 17s rep). 7pm Untouchaballs vs 17s Rep (Umpires: PHS teachers & 15s Rep)

C Grade Ladies – Court 8: 6pm Platelets vs Domin8 (Umpires: Railway Hotel & 13s Rep). 7pm The Railway Hotel vs 13s Rep (Umpires: Platelets & Domin8).

Round 2 of the Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association

July 17, 2020 By editor

Round 2 of the Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association’s competition took place at Harrison Park last Saturday. This is the under 8’s game – Falcons vs Emus on Ground 9.

 

The under 12’s game – Victory vs Olympic on Ground 11.

 

The under 6’s game – Panthers vs Cheetahs on Ground 1

 

The under 17’s game – Thunder vs Rovers on Ground 6.

 

Good footwork from the goalkeeper in the under 12’s game.

 

Panthers Pair Perform

July 17, 2020 By editor

Billy Burns.

Two Central West NRL players were the star performers for the Penrith Panthers last Saturday scoring five tries in total.

Billy Burns from Parkes scored in the 55th minute, while former Forbes Magpies star Charlie Staines made the headlines scoring an amazing four tries on his debut. The final score against the Cronulla Sharks was 56-24. He told Fox Sports afterwards just playing was a dream come true. “I’m lost for words at the moment.”

Billy, who made his debut against the Sydney Roosters in September last year, played 33 minutes.

Gripping Club Champ Final

July 17, 2020 By editor

Eighteen keen bowlers started the day in foggy conditions on Tuesday, with music of The Carpenters softly playing. With COVID rules in place, we weren’t ‘Close To You’ at any time!

Two games of pairs and one of triples took care of the social bowlers with a first day out of hibernation for some.

The match of the day (no, of the year) saw Liz Byrne and Rhona Went contest the Club Championship Singles Final. Wow! These two superstars played their hearts out. Too many magic moments to mention, but with the score 24-all, Rhona holding shot, and Liz with her last bowl to deliver to win, ‘A Kind Of Hush’ settled over the crowd. And win it, Liz did! Huge accolades to both, congratulations and thank you for the entertainment. Liz was last seen ‘Dancing In The Street’ heading home!

In social matches, Chris Cox and Maja Iffland were looking for ‘A Place To Hideaway’ after their loss to Carol Reed and Rosemary Mitchell. Maureen Miller and Kim Evans were ‘On Top Of The World’ defeating Chris Curteis and Lea Orr who just wanted ‘This Masquerade’ to end.

‘Solitaire’ was not the way to win the triples. Heather Harvey, Di Howell and Betsy Johnstone got their team rhythm going and enjoyed a win over Kay Craft, Lorraine Baker and Maureen Baillie. Club Championship Pairs nominations will close 21st July.

Even more excitement! – our club is the winner of a $2,500 grant from Essential Energy Community Choices Program. Thank you, Essential Energy, and to all our members who voted!

To play social bowls next Tuesday, ring the club on 6862 1446 between 9 and 9:30am, with play to begin at 10am. Social roster – Lorraine Baker. See you at the club on Friday night. Delicious meals from Dev’s Kitchen available!

By Lea Orr

Soccer Returns To Harrison Park

July 10, 2020 By editor

Last Saturday saw the return of the Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association’s competitions after a short delay due to COVID-19. It was great to welcome everyone back to Harrison Park and to see lots of smiling faces enjoying the great game of soccer.

Although Round 2 kicks off this weekend, it is still not too late to register for the 2020 season. Registrations will be accepted until 31st July. For more details regarding registrations go to www.pdasa.sportingpulse.net.

Draw for tomorrow, Saturday 11th July:
• UNDER 6: 12.20pm G1 Panthers v Cheetahs; 12.20pm G2 Lions v Tigers.
• UNDER 8: 12.00pm G8 Eagles v Hawks; 12.00pm G9 Falcons v Emus; 1.10pm G9 Budgies v Magpies.
• UNDER 10: 12.15pm G4 Jets v Mari- ners; 12.15pm G5 United v Roar.
• UNDER 12: 12.30pm G11Olympic v Vic- tory; 2.00pm G11 Power v Warriors.
• UNDER 17: 12.10pm G6 Thunder v Rovers; 12.10pm G7 Rangers v Wolves.
• OPEN LADIES: Friday Night 6.00pm G10 Parkes Hotel Football Club (PHFC) v Star Hotel Cougars. Saturday 1.30pm G10 Raptors v Commercial Kookaburra’s; 3.05pm G7 Peak Hill All Stars v Forbes Wildcats.

It’s Game On

July 3, 2020 By editor

Community sports teams were able to resume competition from this week on 1st July as the NSW Government continues to ease Coronavirus restrictions.

Sporting codes in Parkes returning include junior hockey, senior hockey, soccer, WPL soccer, rugby, netball and dragon boating.

The eased restrictions include full-contact sport, and food and beverage stalls at facilities will be able to open too.

All participants must adhere to strict health measures to ensure the safety of everyone with every code applying specific measures related to the sport.

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