VALE JOHN PEARCE OAM, NOELLA GREENHAM OAM

John Pearce was a legend of athletics in South Australia, and for more than five decades, guided some of the state’s best young talents to competition success.

John was inextricably linked with the Enfield Harriers, where he became a committee member in 1961, and helped shape it into the club that exists today, such to the point that many have said Enfield was built on the back of John’s work.

As well as an administrator, John was also a renowned coach, guiding middle-distance and race-walking athletes and providing an encouraging, welcoming and positive attitude for newcomers and veterans alike.

John was awarded Life Membership by both Enfield Harriers and Athletics SA, and received the Australian Athletics Platinum Award in 2003, which is given to technical officials and club, branch and association administrators who have provided service to the sport of athletics for 40 years or more. 

In 2007, John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to athletics. 

John’s influence on athletics in South Australia spanned multiple generations, and he will be fondly remembered for his dedication to the sport. 

Vale John Pearce OAM.

Noella started her decades-long contribution to athletics with the Western Athletics Club in 1942, being named Club Champion in sprints, hurdles, long and high jump disciplines for several years.

She was a decorated athlete, recognised as a great “all rounder”, and held every executive position within Westerns over the years. The club bestowed her with Life Membership in 1957.

Noella was also a dedicated official, with roles at State and National Track and Field Championships, as well as Adelaide Games, Masters Games, World Veteran Games, Police Olympics, Disabled and Para-Olympics and School competitions.

As an administrator, Noella served as SA Women’s Amateur Athletics Association President, and was an active member of the group of forward-thinking women who ensured that South Australia was one of the first two states to have a fully merged athletics association.

In 1997, while still serving as an official for Athletics SA, Noella was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Services to amateur Athletics in South Australia as an administrator and official in the Queen’s Birthday list.

She was awarded life memberships by Athletics SA in 1962, and Australian Athletics in 1973.

Vale Noella Greenham OAM.