Passing of Carol Burt

GBS

More than a newbie
Shock Passing of a Local Sports Star

Lake Macquarie has lost a true sports star with the passing of Speers Point Tenpin Bowling Champion, Carl Burt.

After a short illness in December and January, Carol passed away quietly in John Hunter Hospital on Saturday 12 January to the shock of her sporting fraternity and hospital staff.

Born in Dungog in 1955, Carol was well known locally for her sporting achievements in tenpin bowling. As a representative at local, state, national and international levels, Carol excelled at the Special Olympics, National Disability Championships, and National Disabled Championships for her sport.

Growing up Carol also reached NSW representative duties in swimming, athletics, gymnastics, softball as well as tenpin bowling. In the 40 plus years as a competitor Carol also tried her hand at horse riding, soccer, archery, netball, basketball, water skiing, tobogganing and lawn bowls, but it was the challengers of the tenpin sport that attracted her.

Without a doubt, two of her most special sporting highlights were to represent Australia in the USA and to win the 2006 Lake Macquarie Disabled Sportsperson Award in the sport of tenpin bowling.

In 2006 Carol successfully defended her Singles title at Special Olympics – State Championships to receive the Gold medal. Then in 2007 at the Australian National Disabled Championships, Carol was a Gold medal winning member of the NSW State Team, again successfully defending her title. This was just the tip of the ice-burg.

Over the past three years Carols achievements included the winning of some fifty Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in tenpin bowling. Able bodied persons as we know in the sport of tenpin bowling walk or run to the foul line in the delivery of the bowling ball.

Carols style only allowed her to stand at the foul line and bowl her 14 lb bowling ball. This is a feet in its self to be able to maintain her stability and accuracy for hours on end during the game.

Her mother Elva said that while Carol was very enthusiastic about her sport, she was a great contributor to the community. Carol assisted the Meals on Wheels organisation twice a week for the past 11 years and was a very regular blood donor to the community.

Carol had a magic quality about her. Sporting officials, authorities and her peers marvelled at her ability to help others during competitions as well as being an athlete and sportsperson.

May the lanes be true and conditioned just right for you Carol, my the sun always shine on you up there. RIP.

Carol will be sorely missed by all who came in contact with her.

Geoff Bowness
Coach
 
The TBAQ Disabilities committee, carers and Bowlers from throughout Queensland wish to extend to Carol's family and friends, our heartfelt sympathies and condolences on the shock passing of a truly great sportsperson, she will be sorely missed from our tournament calender.
Carol was always enthusiastic on the lanes and showed great sportsmanship and team spirit, we always enjoyed bowling against her in State team challenges and in the participation component of the Nationals and at other tournaments around the country.
Our thoughts are with you.

Beth Boyd,
Chairperson,
TBAQ Disability Committee.
 
Thanks for that information Geoff, how sad, Carol was a lovely person. I watched her practice every week for many years, she was dedicated to the Sport, I have never seen any other Bowler practice as much as Her.

Frank Williams
 
From the Newcastle Morning Herald today Saturday 19th January 2008 -

"Family and Friends are invited to attend a Service of Celebration for Carol's life to be held in

Mayfield Baptist Church, Cnr Hanbury and Highfield Sts, Mayfield (NSW) on

MONDAY (21/1/2008) commencing at 10am and proceeding to Sandgate Anglican Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT may be made at the Service."


Geoff Bowness
 
Deepest sympathy goes out to Carol's family and friends.
One of my memories of Carol was at the Trans Tasman Tournament in 2005.
Carol would always greet you with that great big smile of hers whenever she walked in the door, she was always eager to get on the lanes of the sport she loved so much Tenpin Bowling.
A true lady will be sadly missed in the sport of TENPIN BOWLING.
Bronwyn and Narelle Millard
 
Carol was missed this year at the Australian Disabilities Championships and all the open NSW state team had black strips on the left arms to remember her. The bowlers told me that the win this year was for Carol.
TBA NSW State manager Peter Franks
 
Thank you State Team for your thoughts and actions

From

Her Proud Coach
 
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