by The Division of Communication and Advancement

 

With the #RU120 anniversary year in full swing, Rhodes University’s resource mobilisation efforts are set to receive an energising shot in the arm with the restoration of the prestigious Neilen Locke coaching award.

The award, made possible by a generous donation from Old Rhodian and Chair of the Rhodes University-USA Trust, Donovan Neale-May, was first awarded in 2006 before it lapsed. It will again be awarded to an outstanding coach or coaches at Rhodes University.

“Behind every sports person and team is a dedicated coach. The coach that most influenced my life and with whom I established a life-long friendship was Neilen Bruce Locke, later Judge Neilen Locke,” said Neale-May.

Neale-May attended Rhodes University in the early 1970s, graduating with a degree in Journalism.  He represented the University in rugby, water polo, and swimming and was coached in the various codes by Locke.

Neale-May describes his coach and friend as “dedicated, motivated, and skilled; adept at bringing out the best in all the athletes he mentored. He developed talent, conditioned athletes, and inspired his teams.”

Locke, himself an alumnus of Rhodes University, served as both an advocate and judge, demonstrating the multi-faceted legacy of leadership shaped by Rhodes University.

Neale-May said it is only fitting to honour Locke through an award to individuals exemplifying the qualities that made him such an excellent contributor to Rhodes University Sport.

The restoration of an enhanced Neilen Locke Coaching Award coincides with the much-anticipated naming of the Great Field after Ally Weakley in November, one of the highlights of the RU120 calendar.

“This is an exciting development for our RU120 celebrations and will introduce a standout feature on the Rhodes University sports calendar in the future. This is a powerful shot in the arm of the University's sports fraternity. Sport funding is one of the key priorities of the bidecacentennial year celebrations,” said Dr Luzuko Jacobs, Director of the Division of Communication and Advancement at Rhodes University.

Sue Smailes, RU120 sub-project leader for Sport, warmly welcomed the resuscitation of this award.

“Efforts to develop sports at Rhodes University are driven by one clear goal: to build a culture of excellence through enhanced student experience and creating lasting memories for all students,” said Smailes.