Rugby star and SEAT Ambassador a well-earned AM recipient

Well-known and respected for his highly successful international rugby career, a lesser known but just as important fact about Wallaby great Tim Horan is that he has been an incredible Ambassador for the Spinal Injuries Association over the past several years. In his role as a Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) Ambassador, Tim regularly speaks with school students and inspires them to practice safe behaviour, on and off the sporting field.

He attends the presentations with one of SEAT’s seven Brisbane-based presenters and he has also regularly visited newly-injured patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s spinal unit.

SEAT presenter Robert Spencer has shared his presentations with Tim countless times and describes his commitment as Ambassador to the award-winning program as tremendous.

“I sustained my spinal cord injury playing rugby league almost 33 years ago,” Robert said.

“Accidents unfortunately can and do happen while playing sport. But, Tim’s talks to the students always have such a good impact because they know the stringent rules he had to play by to prevent injuries from happening. He’s got immense credibility among that age group.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said Tim’s role as Ambassador also involved attending a calendar of annual events for the Association, including the Classic Wallabies Rugby Luncheon in April and the gala fundraising dinner in November.

“Tim’s enthusiasm and belief in our organisation is greatly appreciated,” Mr Henley said.

“We’re delighted that his voluntary work has been considered just as significant as his rugby career. The entire Association congratulates him on becoming a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).”

Issued 27 January 2009.