CITY’S GREG GABBETT HONOURED
THE name of a Darling Downs community and sporting champion is set to live on, thanks to the family and friends of Greg Gabbett.
Mr Gabbett, a legendary former sprinter, is dealing with a grave illness, but spirits were lifted for himself and his supporters this week when an emerging professional foot race was renamed in his honour.
The inaugural Greg Gabbett Youth Under 18 Postle Gift will be run at Pittsworth on October 30.
The race is part of a gala day and night of professional running as the Arthur Postle Gift meeting returns for a third year following its Covid cancellation in 2020.
Postle Gift organiser Greg Quinn said Mr Gabbett’s influence on younger athletes would never be forgotten.
“Greg had been involved with the race each year,” he said.
“His enthusiasm on the day has been a huge plus for the event, particularly for young people — his personality is infectious.
“The Arthur Postle Gift is about more than honouring the ‘Crimson Flash’, it’s also about professional athletics and more importantly the whole community.”
Mr Gabbett’s son Dan said the race renaming was a special moment for the family during a tough period.
“Dad’s very proud of this,” he said.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, Deputy Mayor Geoff McDonald, businessman Joe Ramia and Lockyer MP Jim McDonald all paid tribute to a man they considered a dear friend.
“This will immortalise Greg for generations to come,” Geoff McDonald said.