All Golds v Oxford KPL1 2017 Final
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
OBE FOR WALES RL STALWART<br />
WRITTEN BY IAN GOLDEN<br />
Richard Greenwood (Right) with the WRL Board and sponsors the day before Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Italy in Monza.<br />
Wales Rugby League have<br />
congratulated their board<br />
member John Richard Heaton<br />
“Dick” Greenwood after being<br />
awarded an OBE on the Queen’s<br />
Birthday Honours list.<br />
The 75-year old was given this<br />
award for his services to National<br />
and International Rugby which<br />
includes the work he currently<br />
does with Wales Rugby League.<br />
addition, he has raised thousands<br />
of pounds for seriously injured<br />
rugby players in North Wales since<br />
2012.<br />
Greenwood said: “I’m a rugby man<br />
and rugby has been my lifelong<br />
passion. It is a great team game, so<br />
I am above all a team player, and<br />
my debt is to all my team-mates<br />
who have supported me through<br />
the years.<br />
supporting WRL as an active<br />
board member.<br />
WRL chief executive Chris Thair<br />
said: “I’m delighted for Dick, his<br />
family and this tremendous honour<br />
befits a wonderful man. Due to his<br />
intellect, skill and dedication, Dick<br />
has led such a remarkable life that<br />
is well documented however it is<br />
humility and lovely selfless values<br />
that make him truly standout.<br />
21<br />
A volunteer with the WRL, he has<br />
contributed significantly since<br />
being elected to the board 26<br />
months ago. Colwyn Bay-based,<br />
he is also the chairman of Rhyl<br />
and Prestatyn Panthers RLFC,<br />
developing the junior section,<br />
coaching at under 16, under 12 and<br />
under 10 levels.<br />
Greenwood is also well-known for<br />
his charitable work. He is a driving<br />
force behind Wooden Spoon - the<br />
children’s charity of rugby, aiding<br />
physically, mentally and socially<br />
disadvantaged youngsters<br />
throughout the British Isles -<br />
since 1994, first as a fund-raiser<br />
and latterly as an ambassador. In<br />
“It’s all the people I’ve played with<br />
and worked with over all these<br />
years who have acted as the<br />
enabling factor, which is a source<br />
of great joy and pride to me.”<br />
WRL chairman Brian Juliff<br />
said: “This is a well-deserved<br />
recognition for Richard after his<br />
years of selfless hard work and<br />
commitment to so many excellent<br />
causes.<br />
“Richard is an enthusiastic<br />
volunteer who is always prepared<br />
to roll his sleeves up to give drive<br />
and direction towards achieving<br />
a successful outcome. We are<br />
very thankful to have Richard<br />
“This is the ex-England rugby<br />
union captain and coach who<br />
having resided in North Wales for<br />
many years, knew it would be a<br />
great idea to push rugby league<br />
in his home town after efforts<br />
were made to start a North Wales<br />
League in 2011. Dick has been<br />
doing this ever since, certainly<br />
not for himself but the children of<br />
his community. He understands<br />
the power sport can wield and<br />
his passion to make a difference<br />
is exemplarily. Dick has been on<br />
the WRL Board for over two<br />
years now and his experienced<br />
insight has certainly helped shape<br />
a better future for the sport in<br />
Wales.”<br />
Subscribe to our website mailing list to get exclusive <strong>All</strong> <strong>Golds</strong> news first.
Change language