Of service to REIV and BGS
Life Governor George Thomson has given remarkable service to REIV and BGS and has been honoured by both.
Congratulations to Roger Wilson OAM (OB 1961) who was named a finalist for the 2019 Julius L Patching Sports Official of the Year Award.
This award recognises the outstanding contribution that officials make to the fabric of the Olympic sporting community in Victoria.
As the voice of rowing, Roger started his lifelong interest in rowing whilst at Brighton Grammar School. He rowed for BGS in our first two Head Of The River crews in 1961 and 1962 and coached from 1964-1979, including our first VIII crew for five years in the 1970s and first Head of the River final appearance in 1976.
Roger’s fame to the sport was to come through his course commentating. He started at Yarrawonga in 1966 and is still going strong over 50 years later, at most major rowing regattas in Victoria.
He has commentated at Olympic and World Championships, and has probably one of the longest runs as course commentator at any regatta, with over 40 years at the APS Head of the River.
Congratulations Roger, you make a wonderful contribution to many communities, including rowing.
