David Pain gets standing ‘O’ at Spokane Athletes Banquet
It was magical and memorable and more. Tonight’s Athlete Banquet at the Northern Quest Casino west of Spokane drew 400 athletes, friends, families and officials. In a room with four screens tied to one computer system, Linda Pain presented a slide show of her husband David Pain’s life, and as David went up on stage after the narrated picture show, he got a standing ovation as the masters nationals marked their 40th anniversary. David, 86, read a letter from WMA President Monty Hacker of South Africa honoring North America for landing the 2010 indoor worlds in Kamloops, British Columbia, and the 2011 outdoor worlds in Sacramento.
Then USATF Masters T&F Chairman Gary Snyder presented David a plaque noting the 40th anniversary of the first San Diego nationals in 1968, And then I presented a second plaque on behalf of the athletes for his distinguished service as our “founding father.â€
Finally, WMA VP Rex Harvey gave Dave a huge white banner with the multi-colored WAVA logo and lettering as a keepsake. Then Clingan handed out awards to several dozen 2007 athletes of the year, we had a dinner of salmon, steak, potatoes and steamed veggies. And we danced the night away to a five-piece band. Photos are coming.
3 Responses
Great! I wish I could have been there. I am looking forward to the pictures!
A
Linda’s speech was wonderful! David Pain is an inspiration and the master’s movement owes him a lot.
Each and every one of us who compete in the Masters owe David Pain a great deal.
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