FORMER Horsham man Trevor Holmes has been recognised for his commitment to helping inspire new athletes.
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Holmes, who now lives in Byford in Western Australia, will carry the Queen’s Baton in Rockingham, just south of Perth, on February 23 as it makes its journey across the country in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Holmes said it was a shock to be nominated for the honour.
“I was originally not in the first lot chosen but someone pulled out to do the baton in Rockingham and I got the nod to take their place, so I was a bit chuffed about that,” he said.
Relay baton holders are nominated by their peers. They are seen to be leaders in their community and uphold the Commonwealth spirit.
Holmes’ contribution to sport, and especially basketball, in multiple communities contributed to his nomination.
In Horsham, Holmes helped the Horsham Hornets enter a Country Basketball League for the first time in 2011. He then moved to Stawell to help its basketball program.
“I moved to Stawell and was involved there, helping get a men’s and girls basketball program running,” he said.
Holmes then moved on to Western Australia where he decided to start the Byford Basketball Association.
“When we moved there 12 months ago I didn’t do a lot and had a bit of a break. Then I thought it was time to get back on the horse,” Holmes said.
“We identified a black hole – there wasn’t a lot of basketball happening. There are 20,000 people in Byford, so we thought it would be a good chance to get something happening for the area.
To see the youth develop and giving them an opportunity to do things is rewarding.
- Trevor Holmes
“We started last July and we finished the season in December with 150 people playing basketball. The association grew at a phenomenal rate and we are looking at a bigger growth rate in the next season.”
Holmes said his passion was with helping impart a love for basketball onto junior players.
“Coming over to Western Australia gave me a chance to rejuvenate and go back to the junior roots and get an association going,” he said.
“Basketball is a passion for mine. To see the youth develop and giving them an opportunity to do things is rewarding. To see some of them go on to succeed at higher levels is great, it’s something I like to see.”
Holmes has also coached basketball sides for Basketball Victoria for people with intellectual disabilities as well as refereeing for wheelchair basketball in Western Australia.
He said being recognised for his contribution to basketball by carrying the Queen’s Baton will be a great opportunity.
“I’m not nervous about it at all,” he said.
“I think it’s a great thing that we can get everyone involved holding the baton right from England through to Brisbane.
“It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity next year and it’s great to be a part of that.”