THE renaming of the running track at the Fairway Sports Centre in Sandown in memory of top Island coach Ray Scovell — in a special ceremony attended by his family and many friends — could not have been more fitting.

Ray, affectionately known as ‘Mr Athletics’ across the Island, and Rosemary, the engine room supporting him tirelessly in the background, were a formidable team.

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Both tragically died from Covid within days of each other early last year, but were honoured this morning (Sunday) by a large gathering of friends, family and members of the athletics community who hold Ray, in particular, in the highest esteem as a coach.

The Isle of Wight Athletic Club (IWAC), based in Sandown — with which Ray had been a coach for more than 30 years, and Rosemary, a committee member — persuaded the Isle of Wight Council to approve the changing of the running track’s name to the ‘Ray Scovell Athletics Track’ and to the renaming of the mini grandstand to the ‘Rosemary Scovell Stand’.

It was an occasion blessed with sunshine and a healthy turn-out trackside, with happy memories of the couple and poignancy in equal measure — particularly for their daughter, Claire Apsey, and grandson, Simon.

Claire told guests: “Over the years, the track became dad’s second home. Those close to him have extra special memories of the conversations they had with him at the track — of how he helped them through the good, and not-so-good times, with a reassuring word and that smile of his.

“Many a time, he and I sat there and put the world to rights — just the two of us. It was our haven of peace.

“Ray was known for his work with young people on the Island, encouraging them to achieve their dreams — not only in athletics, but in life.

Isle of Wight County Press: Claire Apsey, Ray and Rosemary Scovell’s daughter, and her son, Simon, trackside. Photo: Jon MorenoClaire Apsey, Ray and Rosemary Scovell’s daughter, and her son, Simon, trackside. Photo: Jon Moreno

Isle of Wight County Press: Claire Apsey, Ray and Rosemary Scovell’s daughter and her son, Simon, in the newly-named Rosemary Scovell Stand. Photo: Jon MorenoClaire Apsey, Ray and Rosemary Scovell’s daughter and her son, Simon, in the newly-named Rosemary Scovell Stand. Photo: Jon Moreno

“And every step of the way, mum was the wind beneath his wings, whether it be supporting his latest fun-filled idea or scheme, to spending hours washing kit and making medals.

“Those he coached say he impacted on their whole life.”

Lee Matthews, of the Isle of Wight Council’s sports unit, paid tribute to Ray and his time working with him as part of the sports development team.

“Ray, people like him and the IWAC, have nurtured the facility over the years. Ray loved events — and he absolutely loved and cherished the track,” he said.

Isle of Wight County Press: Veteran hammer thrower, Stephen Duff, marks the occasion with the first hammer thrown at the newly named track. Photo: Jon MorenoVeteran hammer thrower, Stephen Duff, marks the occasion with the first hammer thrown at the newly named track. Photo: Jon Moreno

Isle of Wight County Press: Stephen Duff. Photo: Jon MorenoStephen Duff. Photo: Jon Moreno

Isle of Wight County Press: Lee Matthews, of the Isle of Wight Council, paid tribute to Ray Scovell. Photo: Jon MorenoLee Matthews, of the Isle of Wight Council, paid tribute to Ray Scovell. Photo: Jon Moreno

“I’m privileged to say the track is named in Ray’s honour. There is no one better to name the track after."

Nicola Canning, of the IWAC, said that as Ray would always stand behind the hammer cage, observing athletes, the club thought it fitting to install a bench there.

Claire was invited to cut a ribbon to officially open the track, with Ray’s long-standing friend, Stephen Duff, of Carisbrooke, a veteran hammer throwing member of the IWAC, invited to throw the first hammer to mark the occasion in style.

Ray is a self-taught coach, who said he learned the basics from the local library, before he went on to help the likes of Andy Frost and now discus star, Nick Percy, become GB medal winners on the international stage.

Ray can count one of GB’s all-time great hammer throwers, Mick Jones — a 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner — as a close friend too.

Mick and his wife, Joanne, came over from London to attend the ceremony.

He said: “Ray will always be special to me. He first approached me at Smallbrook Stadium in 1993 when he saw me throw a hammer, we got chatting and we became friends immediately.

“I miss him terribly. He is someone who has influenced my life.”

Ray, of Sandown, notably established Medina and junior parkrun and the IW’s Island Games co-ordinator in 2011.

As a result of his coaching achievements, Ray went on to win numerous awards, most notably the 2017 Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Award for service to sports on the Island.

  • A full report on the ceremony today will feature in this Friday's County Press.