Huddersfield owner Ken Davy receives OBE as four rugby league figures honoured
KEN Davy may be the man honoured for what he has done for rugby league and the communities it serves but he insists it is not about him.
This OBE is also for his late wife Jennifer and all the volunteers that give up their time to help Huddersfield do their work.
Giants owner Davy is one of four people from rugby league to receive honours in the King’s New Year’s list.
From the moment he opened the envelope several weeks ago, he has beamed with nothing but pride while also succeeding in not telling any of his family.
But to him, this is not just about one person, as he said: “My only sorrow is that my beloved wife Jennifer, who would’ve been so pleased as well, is not around to see it.
“Of course, it’s an honour for both if us but it’s also an honour for the countless volunteers and hard-working unsung heroes who go out in all weathers to introduce their youngsters to rugby league.
“It’s tremendous for young people to be involved, it teaches them responsibility, teamwork, discipline. All the positive things that help you become a good citizen.
“This couldn’t happen if all those volunteers didn’t go out in all weathers to help youngsters develop their involvement in their early years.
“It’s really all about them rather than myself or even the Huddersfield Giants.
“But I’m pleased beyond words, I really am. When I opened the envelope, it was an absolute delight. I couldn’t have been more pleased.”
Davy is joined in the OBE ranks by legendary official Tony Martin, a leading touch judge when Super League kicked off in 1996 who maintained that status for 25 seasons.
He officiated at 10 Grand Finals, five Challenge Cup finals and the 2000 World Cup Final at Old Trafford. In his late 60s, he patrolled the touchline at the recent hybrid 745 Game, which raised funds for motor neurone disease charities.
Leeds chairman Paul Caddick, who has been given an MBE for his contribution to sport, said: “When my wife Alex and I arrived back in 1996, we understood we had become custodians of something much bigger than just a team or a stadium.
“We were looking after a venue that stretched back to the reign of Queen Victoria and where countless generations of fans have shared so many memories over the years.
“We have never lost sight of that and I am proud of the home we have created for Leeds Rhinos as we look to the future.”
Women’s rugby league pioneer Andrea Dobson – who played for Great Britain in 2003 as a 16-year-old and is now part of Sheffield Eagles’ foundation, overseeing its growth to three wheelchair teams, two women’s teams and one of the country’s largest learning disability rugby league sections – has also received an MBE.
She said: “Rugby league has been a huge part of my life and to be recognised by His Majesty for doing something that I love is also very humbling.
“Rugby league, particularly the women’s game, does not always enjoy the profile or recognition that it deserves and in accepting my honour, I hope that it also brings some wider recognition to our game and to all those who give their time to make it a success at all levels.”
Rugby Football League chief executive Tony Sutton said: “It is a privilege to pay tribute to four individuals who have made such significant contributions over several decades, and for whom this recognition is so richly deserved.”