News
Funeral Arrangements for Ron Odunaiya
28/01/2020 00:00, In Blog / Club Notice Board /
Ron’s funeral will take place on the 4th Feb at 10.30.
The service will take place at;
- Pentrebychan Crematorium,
- Pentre-Bychan Road,
- Rhostellan,
- Wrexham.
- LL14 4EP
The reception will take place at the Wynnstay Arms, High Street, Ruabon. LL14 6BL.
The family are asking for donations to Wrexham Athletics Club in lieu of flowers – which once again highlights the passion the man had for the sport
Ron’s passion for the sport of Athletics started at an early age, he was the Shropshire AAA and Shropshire Schools High Jump and Long Jump Champion, the Midland U20 High jump champion and finished the year coming 4th in the All England Schools Long Jump with 7.22m. He was also part of the Shropshire School county relay team coming 4th at the All England Schools Championships. He went on to compete successfully as an athlete, even competing for a place at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in long jump.
Wrexham AC coach and long time friend Ian Robinson commented ‘His friendliness, advice, kindness and support to those around him was appreciated by everyone who came into contact with him. He was an active supporter of Wrexham Athletics club, where his children have all competed. He said, “I just want everyone to be successful” and he did what he could to make this possible.’
Ron worked as Executive Director of Community Services at Liverpool Council, and amongst his many duties, he led on the bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in the City, He also brought the Netball World Cup to Liverpool last summer and led successful bids that means the city will host the Special Olympic Games in 2021 and the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2022.
Ron was an active member of the Board of Welsh Athletics and Chaired the 2018 Annual General Meeting. He was an ever-present at most Senior and Junior Championships, with his Children Amy, Alice and Elliot all competing for Wales in recent years.
Steve Perks, Chair of Welsh Athletics Commented ‘It is with great sadness that we have lost such a wonderful servant to the Board of Directors and to Welsh Athletics. Ron was an outstanding member of the Board, his advice was eagerly sought and freely given. He wanted the best for all athletes, officials and volunteers, he was supportive yet at the same time was more than ready to ask the awkward questions. Ron was the utmost professional in everything that he did, he had excellent personal qualities and was able to communicate with all the relevant aspects within the sport. Without a doubt, he will be sorely missed. The news of his sudden passing leaves us all in shock and our thoughts are with his family at this dreadful time.’