Welcome To The Rotary Club of Rochdale East. District 1280

As a schoolgirl Janet was very happy, outgoing, confident, bubbly and an independent person. In her early years she was involved in swimming and life saving and hers was that of a normal happy young girl. Then, suddenly, at the age of 21, she suffered a life changing experience and lost her sight. Her world was plunged into sudden darkness and the contented life she knew vanished forever.
Janet Gray, aged just 21, had to adjust to the terrifying existence of a world of complete blackness and for what must have seemed like an eternity it was a battle of strength and will. Each day was a struggle to exist.

That is until Janet discovered the world of water skiing, and her life was dramatically transformed. By hard work, sheer determination and love of the sport Janet reached the pinnacle of blind water skiing by winning the World Disabled Championships in the three disciplines, (slalom, tricks and jumps) and became the overall World Champion and World record holder  in 1999, 2001 and 2003.

This year has seen Janet again win gold at the British National Championships held at Whitworth Water Ski Centre, and our club members were out in force in July acting as stewards, and of course supporting our own champion.

Dr Janet Gray MBE was recognised by Lisburn Council in acknowledgement of her lifetime achievements, which include excelling in the field of Disabled Water Skiing, continuous charity work and being a true Ambassador for sport for all young athletes locally, nationally and globally.
Janet reached the pinnacle of her sport by winning the World Disabled Championship in the three disciplines of slalom, tricks and jumps. She was World Disabled Water Ski Champion in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2007.
Lisburn City ouncil's Mayor, Councillor Ronnie Crawford speaking at the ceremony said "Having lost your sight at age 21 the Freedom of the City honours your strength of character, your sheer dedication and willpower and your example to others to pursue their dreams and ambitions, even in the face of tremendous misfortune and tragedy.
"In our modern, easy come easy go society,your drive to achieve world-class status so many times is one of the finest examples of how all of us should live our lives everyday.
"So, with all the pride and honour that you bring to our City, through your sporting and charity work, it gives me great pleasure to invite you, Dr Janet Gray to accept the Grant of the Honorary Freedom of the City of Lisburn, by signiong the roll of Honorary Freeman," he concluded.
In reply Dr Janet said it was a great honour and continued:
"I was stunned when the Council first approached me and I feel humbled by the honour. I am very pleased to have been given the oppertunity to be an Ambassador for the City of Lisburn and I feel very privileged on accepting thid honour from the Council".
The momentous occasion started with a cavalcade following Janet on a tour of the CIty in a horse drawn carriage, on route to Lagan Valley Island.
The ceremony was held in the Council Chamber, during which the Mayor presented her with a scroll and specially comissioned siver casket to mark the occasion.
A tree planting ceremony followed in the grounds of Lagan Valley Island, where the former Freemen of the CIty have already planted trees. A demonstration by Maghaberry Primary School of the 'Five Star Disability Sports Challenge' was then held at the front of the building for guest and members of the public.
The Mayor on behalf of the City also presented Janet with a commissioned sculpture, by John Sherlock, depicting Janet skiing over the water creating a huge wave backdrop.