Di Dale - ABSC Life Membership
Congratulations to Di Dale who was presented with Life Membership of the ABSC at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on Monday 12th May. Di is the first woman to receive an ABSC Life Membership after a glittering playing career, many years on the VBSA and ABSC Boards (four years as ABSC Secretary), and passionate advocacy for women to be allowed to play in all clubs during the 1970's and 1980's.
On hand to present the award was current ABSC Secretary, Simon Fortune, and a very proud previous Secretary, Ian Dale.
About Di Dale (VIC)
Di Dale was born in Horsham Victoria to a very proud active, sporting and artistic family. They had a small table that Di played on before she attended Melbourne University where she discovered the snooker room. At the age of 18 she began playing pennant with The University of Melbourne Club. In the early years Di advocated for all Clubs affiliated with the VBSA to allow women to play pennant games in their venues. It took several years for some Clubs to come to the party, but with the perseverance of Di and other female players eventually they overcame all resistance and were accepted to play in competitions.
Di served on the Board of the VBSA for many years and also served on the board of the ABSC as Assistant Secretary from 2006 to 2010 and as Secretary from 2011 to 2014. During this time Di rewrote the constitution of the ABSC and the playing conditions and is regarded by some as the best Secretary ever.
Playing achievements:
Victorian Ladies Snooker Title winner - 1976 to 1992,1995 & 1997
Australian Women’s Snooker Title - 1986
World Women’s Snooker Title - 1989 (representing Australia)
Sports Australia Award 1987 for 1986 Single Sporting Performance
Tom Cleary Trophy as Alcock Player of the year 1987
NSW State Women’s Snooker - 1989,1991 & 1992 (runner up 1990) with the high break on each occasion - she still holds the record of the high break of 71
Runner - up in the Australian 9 Ball 1993 and represented Australia in the Women’s World 9 Ball Championship in Germany in 1993
