Ron Harvey’s contribution to the sport of basketball has touched every level.
A career with the Australian Public Service led him to Canberra where he was quick to immerse himself in the local basketball scene, including as a senior representative player and coach through the 1960’s and 1970s.
While his Public Service career continued to bloom with a long list of distinguished appointments, his vision for the sport and his administrative acumen saw Ron rapidly emerge as driving force for basketball in the ACT. As Executive Officer of the ACT Amateur Basketball Association (ACTABA), in 1966 Ron was successful in spearheading the ACT’s breakaway from NSW to join the then Amateur Basketball Union of Australia as a full member. This important step assured equality for the ACT and the participation of teams from the Territory in future national championships, including the senior teams that Ron continued to coach through until 1975.
Ron was appointed President of the ACTABA in 1973-74, awarded Life Membership of the Association in 1980. In 1981 he became chairman of the National Basketball League’s Canberra Cannons, filling in the role until 1983, the year in which the team broke through for their first Championship. He was elected President of Basketball Australia in 1982, serving through until 1986, while concurrently in the role of NBL Chairman from 1984-86 as both the sport and the League’s popularity began to explode.
As Basketball Australia’s nominee to the Australian Olympic Committee for 20 years (1993-2013), Ron Harvey made a significant contribution to the Olympic movement in Australia. He was recognised by the International Olympic Committee with the Pierre De Coubertin medal in 2009 – being the first Australian to receive the award – and received Life Membership of the Australian Olympic Committee in 2013.
Ron Harvey was awarded Life Membership of Basketball Australia in 2001 and included in the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2016.