RUGBY LEGENDS HONOURED AT SPORTING HALL OF FAME

Two sporting greats have been honoured in a special ceremony at County Hall.

Late rugby legends Ray Gravell and Stuart Gallacher were formally inducted into the council’s Sporting Hall of Fame (SHF) earlier this month.

Mari Gravell, Ray’s wife, and Stuart’s wife, Jan and his children, Jonathan and Debbie, represented the pair at the ceremony, along with councillors, officers and SHF members. The Sporting Hall of Fame recognises sportspeople from Carmarthenshire who have contributed to the legacy of sport and are an inspiration for the next generation of sporting champions.

The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Both Ray and Stuart have dedicated a large part of their lives to sport in Carmarthenshire and Wales. They are both legends in the world of rugby and we are extremely proud to be honouring them in this way.”

The Sporting Hall of Fame is part of the Carmarthenshire Sports Personality Awards and invitations for 2015 are now being taken. Twelve other categories are up for grabs including Sports Personality, Young Sportsman and sportswoman, Disabled Sportsman and sportswoman, Sports Coach, Sports Volunteer, Young Volunteer, Team of the year, Young Team of the year, High Performance Coach, Community Sport Coach and Outstanding Services to Sport.

The awards in its 18th year are organised by Carmarthenshire Council’s sports and leisure team and recognise the sporting achievements of athletes, coaches and volunteers across Carmarthenshire. Winners will be announced in a glittering event at Y Ffwrnes on Friday, February 12.

Media partners are Llanelli Star, Carmarthen Journal and Radio Carmarthenshire. Our nominated charity is The Ray Gravell and Friends Trust. Nominations are being accepted for this category along with 12 other awards until 5pm on Friday (November 27). Forms are available on our website or email ActifSirGar@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Back row – Sport and leisure officer, Hilary Jones;  SHF member, Delme Thomas; Council Chair, Cllr Peter Hughes-Griffiths; Jonathan Gallacher, Debbie Fisher, the council’s chief executive Mark James and senior sport and leisure officer,  Carl Daniels

Front Row – Sporting Hall of Fame member, Myrddin John; Treasurer of Carmarthenshire Local Sports Council,  Cllr Terry Davies; Mari Gravell, Jan Gallacher, SHF member Lynne Thomas, the council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell and disability sports officer,  Lisa Pudner