Ray Norwood gave up most of his life to sport – and mainly to Athletics and this Club – an incredible volunteer who spent years of his life helping others – Ray’s hard work and determination never faltered in ensuring that everyone was given an equal chance to pursue their dreams .
From a very young age Ray’s passion for sport and in particular Athletics and Football shone through – in the early 1950’s as a boy he joined North London A.C., then later Enfield Harriers and the Enfield & Haringey A.C.
Ray’s passion for Athletics saw him compete to a very high standard in the 400 metres and long jump for Middlesex – he then became involved as a volunteer official, team manager but most of all as a coach .
In 1989 Ray was instrumental in setting up a Disability section for Enfield Harriers , the first Athletics Club in the country to do so . Now when Disability sport is so accepted , it is hard to appreciate the resistance at that time and objections from some quarters , but the Club produced a number of Disability International athletes and the first Paralympian in 1992 . It was Ray’s determination and hard work that helped to lay the foundations that have helped give opportunities to Disability athletes today .
Ray was always very proud to coach athletes with Disabilities and the Club were the first Athletics Club to win a Team Disability National Championships . He enjoyed coaching all abilities from youngsters taking part who just wanted to have fun , up to full England and GB Internationals in various impairment categories .
Ray was one of a select few to attend the 1948 London Olympics at the White City and then the 2012 London Olympics .
Ray’s other passion was Football – annd his love of Tottenham Hotspur .
Ray’s determination to help so many saw him give up much of his time to raising money for the Athletic Club , recruiting athletes and providing whatever support he could . In recent years as things became physically more difficult for him , he continued to coach and help wherever he could .
This Club meant so much to Ray – and the Club owes so much to him for everything he did . Right to the end he was still looking to encourage people to join and participate – and find ways to raise funds for the Club .
A true “Legend”
Rest in Peace Ray
