THE Curtin University Boat Club continued its successful 2016 at the RAC WA Sports Star Awards on December 12 when it won the Beyond Sport John Gilmour Medal.
The inaugural medal was presented to club in recognition of its Row Ahead, which incorporates rowing lessons and academic mentoring, giving students from Clontarf Aboriginal College the opportunity to experience the sport while encouraging them to pursue educational opportunities beyond high school.
The rowing club, which is based at Salter Point, also won the Curtin University Sports Club Excellence Award and the Sports Club Community Award at the Curtin University Sport Awards.
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READ NOWRAC Insurance chief executive officer John Stringer said the awards aligned with the organisation’s commitment to giving back to its members and the community.
“Sport plays an important role in the community and can help build resilience, foster team work and inspire leaders,” he said.
“We’re proud to not only sponsor the event itself but also the ‘RAC Insurance Service to Sport Award’ and ‘RAC Insurance Beyond Sport Award’ categories which recognise individuals and clubs that go above and beyond.”
John Gilmour served in the Australian Infantry Forces and was taken as a prisoner of war in Singapore but overcame the eyesight damage to win numerous long distance running events.
He contributed to the WA sporting community by founding the first athletics club south of the Swan River and establishing the WA Marathon Club.