What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Why local sports trailblazer Gary Clark is one of my chosen role models

They say “it takes a village to raise a child.” Amen to that. I believe we are all the product of influences in our lives — good and bad, we are shaped by both. Therefore, in body and mind we are unique, we are original. In our formative years we often don’t get much of a choice of what or to who we are exposed. But as we get older, most of us start to sort the “s . . . from the clay” in respect to people we take advice from and listen to. In effect, choosing our role models. I have written about the topic of role models before and how important they are to me. My life is full of them — from parents, other family members, teachers and sporting idols. I suppose the common thread is that these individuals are more than simply inspirational, but more so genuinely good people. I am constantly thankful that I know and have known such people. Only just the other day, I was thinking about someone who I have known for the better part of my life, someone who continues to be a role model. I first met Gary Clark when he was the local manager for Sport and Recreation. He’s proudly Geraldton born and bred and has played a pivotal part in sporting life in this community for what seems like forever. Gary was somewhat of a trailblazer in creating a community hub for sport here in Geraldton and the greater Mid West. He was one of the instigators in setting up the Mid West Sports Federation and headed up one of the first State Government-funded sport and recreation offices in regional WA. Gary has always been mindful of the big picture, and this was more than evident with his primary role in setting up the Sports House model. This is an initiative that has seen many of the sports in the area come together and work together under one roof. A talented sportsperson himself, Gary has never stopped giving back. A gifted footballer, surf lifesaver and celebrated marathon runner, he has consistently shared what he knows and is still coaching today. Gary is the chair of the Mid West Academy of Sport, a brainchild he harboured for many years and has seen come to fruition. It is an organisation that opens extra doors for local talented athletes, assisting them in reaching for the stars. But most importantly, to me, Gary Clark is the consummate mentor. I have been privileged to work under and beside this quietly spoken individual, who is always the epitome of being humble and inclusive. And I have been very fortunate to call him my friend. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA