SportWest honours almost two centuries of commitment to Western Australian sport

Ahead of the 2022 SportWest Awards to be presented at Optus Stadium next week, three new recipients of the May Campbell Medal have been announced.

Sandra O’Keefe (Calisthenics), Derek Gatley (Dance Sport, Ballroom Dancing) and Ian Toy (Lacrosse) will be honoured at Western Australia’s most prestigious sports awards, having contributed almost 200 combined years to their respective sports in the WA community.

SportWest Chief Executive, Matt Fulton is in awe of the dedication these winners have to their sport and notes “It is people like Sandra, Ian and Derek, that are the heart of Community Sport, dedicating so much time and passion to the sport they love, inspiring the younger generations as they go. Very worthy recipients of the May Campbell Medal"

The Service to Sport – May Campbell Medal seeks to recognise the contribution made by an individual to sport or their sporting organisation through long and outstanding service.

O’Keefe has been a stalwart of Calisthenics in WA and has more than 60 years’ experience as a participant and administrator at both the local and state level. Due to O’Keefe’s outstanding contributions as a volunteer, O’Keefe has achieved many accolades over the years including; 2005 Life Membership Hills District Calisthenics Club, 2008 Life Membership Calisthenic Association of WA, 2016 Australian Calisthenics Federation Volunteer of the Year Award and Australian Calisthenics Federation Life Membership Award.  

Gatley has had a connection to DanceSport since he started as a participant and competitor in the 1950s. During this time Gatley has served the National and State bodies of DanceSport as Chair of the Rules Commission, Chair of the Selection Committee, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. Gatley has announced his pending retirement from his National Duties but will continue to offer his extensive knowledge to the WA State branch.

Ian Toy is a champion for Lacrosse, not only in WA, but Australia. He has shown a commitment to lacrosse as both a player and administrator. Toy established the Wanneroo Joondalup Lacrosse Club and was a driving force behind the establishment of the Subiaco Lacrosse Club and continues his service with roles at Lacrosse WA.