At a glance

Bill Begg: Roll of honour 1963: Started skating at 17 1965: First club senior speed champion 1968: At 22 was SC Roller Skating Club president 1970: First overall senior NZ speed champion 1974: Influential in getting bank track built in Timaru 1976: Created the ‘‘Tour of Timaru’’ 1979: Coaching Australia 1980: Cheryl Begg wins first world championship 1980s: Coaches Australia, Columbia 1990s: Coaches Australia, Columbia, Argentina 1992: Oceania delegate to World Speed committee 2000s: Coaches Switzerland, Germany, Indonesia 2009: Returned to Timaru 2009: Started call for new track on Caroline Bay 2011: New $400,000 track completed 2015: Made a member of New Zealand Order of Merit 2016: Received his fifth SC ‘Coach of year’ award delighted to be recognised. ‘‘It’s always good to be acknowledged. Nice for Cheryl too as she has put in the hard yards.’’

Cheryl Begg said she was surprised and also honoured.

‘‘I guess I won’t have to pay club fees any more.’’

Her passion however is the number of young skaters that are turning up. ‘‘It fantastic to see all the little ones.’’ Both agreed the life memberships wouldn’t change anything as it is what they both love.

They are however not the first Begg’s to be honoured by the club with three of Bill’s siblings, Linda, Judith and Bruce already life members. ‘‘They kept the club going through the tough times,’’ Bill said.

The South Canterbury Roller Sports Club were responsible for nominating Begg for the national honour. Their citation noted Begg had reached many highs in his career he still has a passion for coaching new skaters, he has used his influence to help many young New Zealand skaters over the years, providing and organising accommodation and support.

‘‘Has organised sponsored trips to Asia for 36 skaters on different occasions. Bill is also responsible for bringing into New Zealand worthwhile opponents, at a cost to his family.

These include skaters from many countries including France, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, China, Japan, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Switzerland.’’

Bill Begg still also remains in high demand overseas.

At short notice next week he heads to Indonesia to help select their team for the Asian Games. Begg said the positive spin-off for Timaru was he hoped a number would train for a period over summer on the Caroline Bay track.