Gordon Neale recognised by World Paravolley.

Congratulations Gordon Neale

Great to see Gordon Neale recognised by World ParaVolley for contribution/recognition of service to Standing Volleyball as International Referee, Gordon is also a Technical Delegate and is a Judicial Commission and sits on the Awards Commission. As Gordon put it ‘No rest for the wicked.’

Gordon started his involvement with volleyball for the physically impaired in 1984. Those who had the greatest influence on hos development in the sport were Pieter Joon, Len Softley and Richard Callicott.

His introduction to standing Volleyball occurred at Stoke Mandeville in 1985 when he assisted Trevor Morgan (Coach) with standing whilst also coaching/developing the sitting game.

He became GBR’s first International Referee when he successfully completed the ISOD/ WOVD course in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1986. Major standing events at which he refereed included:

1986 - World Championships – Tel Aviv, Israel

1987 - European Championships (Open) – Paris, France

1989 - European Championships - Zielona Gora, Poland

1990 - Euro Cup – Leverkusen, Germany

1991 - European Championships – Nottingham, England

1992 - Paralympics – Barcelona, Spain

1993 - European Championships – Amilly, France

1994 - Euro Cup – Bratislava, Slovakia

1994 - World Championships – Bottrop, Germany

1995 – European Championships (Open) – Olsztyn, Poland

1996 - Paralympics – Atlanta, USA

1998 - World Championships – Olsztyn, Poland

1998 was my last International referee appointment.

Congratulations to Gordon from his volleyball family.