Ray ‘Bullet’ Lawrence had to live up to his nickname at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November) as he darted between athletics, golf and touch competitions as well as driving the team bus for Sydney Blue Pointers.
The 66-year-old managed his competition and bus duties with ease claiming one silver and two bronze in athletics as well as making the mens 60+ touch football gold medal match today at Owen Park on the Gold Coast.
Despite his love for all three sports, his passion lies with his touch football side which has been competing together since the first Australian Masters Games in 1987.
“We have competed at every Pan Pacific Masters Games since its inauguration in 1998 and we have also played at every Australian Masters Games since its first event in 1987,” said Ray.
“We also compete at the World Masters Games whenever it’s held in Australia.
“We have won gold in every masters event we have competed in except for two.”
The side has experienced many changes over the years but Ray always finds a way to recruit new members to the squad.
“I play touch twice a week with a local team in a Sydney over-30 competition and in the side we have five players who are over 60,” said Ray.
“We continue to recruit new touch football players we know through our local club and as long as they are over 60 and are still standing and breathing then they meet the criteria.”
One of Ray’s highlights this week was the opportunity to catch up with event ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn-Cearns at the athletics track.
“I competed in the 300 metre hurdles and I ran into Glynis Nunn-Cearns who was also competing,” said Ray.
“I told her that I hadn’t competed in a 300m hurdles before and to my surprise neither had she.
“I think there is a great photograph of me going over a hurdle with my arms and legs all over the place.”
The Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame inductee believes his longevity in the game is because he doesn’t drink or smoke and is adamant he will be playing for many years to come.
“Luckily I’m fit enough to keep on playing as I don’t smoke or drink which I think has something to do with my ability to keep on competing,” said Ray.
“I will keep on playing for as long as I can and already the team has its sights set on the 2013 Australian Masters Games in Geelong.”
The new scheme was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not momentous for us.
