This morning was a very special one for friends, family and athletes coached by the late Pam Turney OAM, Life Governor of Athletics Australia. The gathering on a delightfully sunny morning was at ‘Pam’s Corner’ of the Tan Track on the junction of Linlithgow and Government House Drive, South Yarra. A park bench with a plaque had been installed to honour Pam’s memory and a group of loved ones and devotees were there to celebrate her. Susan Michelsson (an Australian representative who had been coached by Pam) and Pam’s daughter Jackie Cook both spoke. Susan spoke on behalf of ‘Team Turney’ and remembered back just over 12 months ago, when Pam suffered a stroke and sadly passed away two days later, on Wednesday 21st August. Susan spoke of how Pam’s group met for their usual training on the Tuesday, the day after the stroke - in shock and very teary. They were not sure what to do without their coach. Someone suggested they all go for a jog together… but one of the girls had already received the session plan. Pam already had the session prepared - no rest ever! Susan also spoke of the importance of the memorial bench location for both Pam and her athletes. Jackie talked of how many people Pam had touched, evident this morning from the wonderful attendance and great tributes sent by those who couldnt be there. Pam managed to get the best from the athletes she worked with. She spoke of Pams wonderful spirit of volunteering but not needing to be rewarded and how she would have been humbled by the event today. As in years gone by, Jackie Cook led the runners through their warm-up as they began their time trial. She thanked the crowd for their support in recent months and spoke of how Pam wouldnt have wanted the fuss being made over her today, but the focus should be the results and ensuing personal bests in the time trial. Both Susan and Jackie acknowledged Knox Athletics Club for their contribution towards the purchase and installation of the seat honouring the much loved and missed pioneer of Australian women’s distance running. A lovely brunch followed the bench unveiling and time trial. Held in the café at the Botanical Gardens ‘Jardin Tan’ – there was lots of lively chatter as the group relived old shared memories. A wonderful way to commemorate a coach, mentor and friend to so many – her legacy will go on for generations. Special thanks to Jane Robertson (who had been coached by Pam), and Knox Athletics Club President Sam Crowther for relaying the details of the wonderful morning. We are also grateful to Jane’s husband Jarrod and Lynne and Richard Huggins for sharing their photos.
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 10:23:57 +0000
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