Decades of dedicated service, determination and the ability to embolden others in a passionate sporting community – these traits are just some of the defining characteristics of this year’s winners of the prestigious Hans Ebeling Award crowned at the 2024 Sporting Sections Annual Dinner at the MCG.
MCC Baseball Section stalwart, Malcolm Chiverton, and MCC Real Tennis Chair, Andrew Gould, received the ultimate recognition in becoming the newest recipients of the Award that honours those who have given outstanding service to the Club’s sporting sections, on a night that captured the talent, culture and cohesion that exists among the Club’s 14 sporting sections.
Malcolm has been the cornerstorne of the MCC Baseball Section for more than 30 years, having volunteered his time to help in and around the historic club.
His endless contributions to help the Baseball Section become a thriving club is unrivalled – from marking out the playing diamonds each week, fulfilling scoring duties, organising club functions and administration duties, Malcolm has been an integral part of the MCC Baseball Section and has created a lasting legacy within this sporting group.
Andrew’s imprint on the MCC Real Tennis section was evident immediately, following the creation of this section in 2008.
Having joined the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club in 1991, his commitment to the sport and knowledge from an administrative perspective has been invaluable for all involved, helping put the Real Tennis Section on the map globally, most notably establishing the Cowper-Cowdrey Cup fixture against Marylebone CC, even captaining MCC to victory in the famed event in 2016.
MCC President Fred Oldfield spoke of the unwavering commitment and inspiring leadership both these recipients have displayed during their lengthy contributions to the Club.
The sentiment of the night centred heavily on the powerful sense of unity among all 14 sporting sections, with milestones recognised, interstate and international achievements widely celebrated, and different perspectives shared among hundreds of participants, coaches, volunteers, mentors, and past winners of the Hans Ebeling Award.
Being part of the MCC Sporting Sections is more than just being involved in a game, it is about remaining connected.
A group that is bound by a collaborative culture that honours the history of the Club and those who have paved the way for younger generations of participants, surrounded by leaders and stalwarts who have contributed so much to this devoted and thriving sporting community.