WITH the grand opening of the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre fast approaching, Shoalhaven City Council has announced it will name the main court one after Tigers basketball legend John Martin.
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It was this week approved the show court of the four-court facility will recognise Martin's significant contribution to basketball in the Shoalhaven, which includes developing the NSW Country tournament and Jamboree and officiating at an Oceania and World capacity.
"It's obviously a great honour and something I'm very humbled about," Martin said.
"It's nice to be recognised for all the work I've done, while also honouring my family name."
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But in true Martin fashion, he doesn't want his own personal accolade to get in the way of the stadium being completed.
"I've personally had plans for a stadium like this since the 1990s - with numerous visions falling short before 2008, when traction actually started to be made and council jumped on board," Martin said.
"And now that we're in sight of the opening, it's very exciting - the venue will be one of the best in the state.
"Once we finish the four-court facility and give courts one and two a refurbishment, there's no reason why we can't hold some of the top sports events in the country."
Council intends to honour Martin by means of a plaque, to be placed at an appropriate location within the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre, which will be decided upon after discussions with the Shoalhaven Basketball Association.