Albany’s Sporting Walk of Fame can be a rallying call for young athletes, according to hockey Olympian Tricia Heberle.
The City of Albany has set aside $30,000 for the installation which is set to feature plaques of Albany’s most accomplished sporting heroes.
It will be set up outside Retravision Stadium with four or five renowned sports people likely to get the nod as the inaugural inductees.
While it will be old favourites who receive acknowledgement, Heberle believes it could prompt the next generation into believing that they can make it to the highest level.
“It’s important for young athletes from the region to recognise that anything is possible,” she said.
“It is hard work and dedication which will bring you success regardless of your beginnings or background.
“You can achieve at a high level wherever you are from.”
Heberle represented Australia at the 1984 Olympics having started out at Spencer Park Primary and then Albany Senior High School.
She is now on the boards of the Great Southern Academy of Sport and the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association.
City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks is hoping the ribbon will be cut on the walk this summer, with nominations for possible contenders open via the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre website.
He announced the project during the Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year Awards.
Nominees must have developed their talents in Albany and gone on to compete at the highest level.
Golfer Wayne Smith has also voiced his support for the project after a career which took in the Japan, PGA and European Tours, while Kelly Martin, daughter of netball legend Diane (nee Jackson) said it was “a wonderful idea”.
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