Parkes could have four former locals in action at this year’s Rio Olympics - something very few towns if any across the nation will be able to boast.
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The announcement that marathon runner Scott Westcott had secured his spot in the Australian Athletics team and the strong possibility of Mariah Williams being part of the Hockeyroos squad means that Parkes residents will have lots to cheer about come the August Games.
Already former Olympic medalist Stephen Davies has been confirmed as assistant coach of the women’s hockey team as has Ben Bishop with the men’s hockey team.
At the most recent Parkes Shire Council meeting, Mayor Ken Keith formally acknowledged the selection of Scott Westcott to the Australian athletics team.
At the same time he suggested a letter of congratulations be forwarded to Westcott which was fully endorsed by Council.
Cr Michael Greenwood then suggested that in the lead up to this year’s Olympics it might be a good idea for a display to be set up acknowledging Parkes’ former and current Olympians.
Locals who have gone on to represent at Olympic level include swimmer Rex Aubrey who finished 6th in the final of the 100m freestyle at the 1952 Helsinki games, athlete Ted McGlynn who ran the lead-off leg in both the heats and semi-finals of the 4x100m relay during the Melbourne Olympics, Jim Bailey the son of a health inspector who live in Parkes from two until 11 who made the final of the mile in Melbourne but had to withdraw, Stephen Davies who represented at three Olympics - Barcelona (‘92), Atlanta (‘96) and Sydney (2000) - finishing with one silver and two bronze medals.
“With the likelihood now of two Parkes representatives competing in Rio this would bring to six the total of Olympians produced here,” Cr Greenwood said.
“May I suggest that Council look at a display being set up at a venue within town recognising the former and current Olympians.
“Maybe it is something the Council Marketing team could investigate.
“And if there is anyone with information regarding any other Olympians that may have been born or raised or spent time within the shire please get in touch with Council so that we can make any tribute display a complete shire promotion,” he said.
It was an idea fully supported by the Mayor and all councillors.
