The City of Albany’s Sporting Walk of Fame will celebrate greatness and give next generation a path to follow

The Albany Advertiser, which has been covering the exploits of local athletes for most of the city’s 200 years, is a great supporter of the Sporting Walk of Fame.

We recognise that sport plays a central role in the fabric of a community and believe those who have reached the pinnacle in their code should be remembered in the place they got their start.

It’s even better when those whose journeys began on the city’s ovals, pitches, courts or links return to their grassroots and give something back to the clubs or organisations which were key to their development.

Olympian Trish Heberle spoke of home recognition being more special than any other while pro golfer Wayne Smith loved the idea of being remembered in his home town.

Both are back living in Albany, as is the daughter of netball great Diane Martin who welcomed the walk on behalf of her late mother.

The City of Albany’s concept, which will be a path at Retravision Stadium featuring plaques and a QR code revealing each inductee’s story, has been embraced both by those likely to be honoured, and those who aspire to be.

It’s not just athletes who are eligible as coaches and officials can also be nominated.

What’s important is that nominees have started in Albany, developed in Albany and understand the difficult path faced by country athletes as they progress to the top of their game.

From athletes that compete internationally, perhaps reach a World Cup, achieve great things at the heights of team sports or even become an Olympian — their place should be etched into history of our city’s sporting greatness.

Many sports and countries have their own ways of recognising sporting greatness, the pinnacle of the journey.

The City of Albany’s Sporting Walk of Fame will celebrate where it all began.

It will acknowledge the best of the best and prove to the next generation there are footsteps in their own town that can be followed.

Nominations close on July 24. The form for nominations can be found on the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre website.