George Glasgow made an outstanding lifetime contribution to Sport in Northern Ireland. From his early days as a PE Teacher at Kilkeel High School he recognised the need to promote post school sport and recreation through the work of the Central Council for Physical Recreation, joining its NI Office as a member of staff in 1955 and subsequently holding the post of Secretary to the NI Section of the CCPR from 1969 to 1972.
With the formation of the Northern Ireland Council for Physical Recreation he was its Secretary from 1972 to 1974 and was a key figure in the preparations for the establishment of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland. He secured the transfer of the staff, assets, goodwill and executive work of the NICPR to the new Sports Council and was its Director from 1974 to 1990.
He returned to the role of Secretary of the NICPR from 1992 to 1996 and was Chairman from 1999 to 2000 as it became known as the Northern Ireland Sports Forum.
He was a committed supporter of the work of Governing Bodies and clubs in delivering sport and physical recreation and at that time in a speech to Local Government event he said ” Sport has made and continues to make a great contribution to social, economic, health and educational aspects of society and it does so through the efforts and dedication of a huge army of volunteers. Our aim is to encourage their work with the youth of this country not least by reducing the obstacles that inhibit their efforts – finance, red tape, legislation and recognition.”
George Glasgow was instrumental in bringing judo to Northern Ireland in the early 1950’s and was the first Chairman of the NI Judo Governing Body in 1955 (then an area within the BJA). He was made a life member of the British Judo Association, despite never having played judo! He was a great ambassador for judo and sports volunteers, without whom judo could not function. George was involved in many sports including canoeing which he did with our first black belt, the late Gerry Nevin who was promoted to 1st Dan in 1957.
George Glasgow (left) with Dr George Kerr CBE 10th Dan and President of the British Judo Association and Dr. Richard Briggs at a Gala Dinner in 2012 to celebrate 60 years of Northern Ireland Judo.
George’s funeral will take place at 11.30am on Saturday 10th September at St John’s Church, Whitehouse, Newtonabbey
Compiled by NI Sports Forum Board Members Ken Nixon & Dr. Richard Briggs