Two members of Australia’s basketball family were recently named in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Kim Larkin, who was involved with the Pearls Australian women’s national team for Players with an Intellectual Disability for many years, as awarded a Medal (OAM) Of The Order Of Australia In The General Division.
The award was made “for service to sport, and to people with a disability, through roles with the Australian Pearls Basketball team.”
Larkin was also inducted into the Nunawading Hall of Fame in 2011.
Queenslander John Hegvold was also awarded the Medal (OAM) Of The Order Of Australia In The General Division for service to the sport of basketball, and to the community of Rockhampton.
The details of the awards for both are listed below. Basketball Australia congratulates them both on their respective honours.
Listen to an ABC interview with Hegvold about his association with basketball by clicking here.
Ms Kimberly Anne LARKIN
For service to sport, and to people with a disability, through roles with the Australian Pearls Basketball team.
Captain, Australian Pearls Intellectually Disabled Women’s Basketball Team, 1998-2007; player, 1994-2010.
World Championships, International Sports Federation for Persons with an Intellectual Disability, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002 and 2006; Global Games, 2004 and 2009; World Cup, 2008.
Captain, Victoria Metropolitan Intellectually Disabled Women’s Team, 1998-2008; player, for 14 years.
Scholarship holder, Victorian Institute of Sport, 2002-2009.
Named in the International All Star team at the Inaugural Global Games, International Sports Federation for Persons with an Intellectual Disability, 2004.
Gold Medal, Asia and South Pacific Championships, 1999.
5 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals, World Championships.
11 Gold Medals and 3 Silver Medals, Australian National Basketball Championships for players with an Intellectual Disability, Basketball Victoria.
Awards/recognition include:
Athlete of the Year with an Intellectual Disability, Basketball Victoria, 2010.
Mr John Edward HEGVOLD
For service to the sport of basketball, and to the community of Rockhampton.
Current Judiciary Member, Rockhampton Basketball Inc; Member, since 1955; Life Member, since 1966; Patron, since 1993; current Coach, U12 boys.
Mr Hegvold has served as player, coach, selector, official, referee and administrator.
Member, Frenchville Panthers Basketball Club, since 1957; Life Member; Patron, since 1981.
Current Member, Management Committee, North Rockhampton Bowls Club; current Patron; Member, since 1982.
Member, Rockhampton East Rotary Club, since 1980; President, 1984-1985 and 1990-1991.
Leader, Warripari Scout Group, 1972-1980.
Chairman, Rockhampton District Scout Association, 1987-1995.
Justice of the Peace in Queensland, since 1972.
