The Freedom of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent was today officially bestowed on snooker legend Ray Reardon and presented to his family by the Council.
The late snooker player’s family were invited along to a special reception at the General Offices in Ebbw Vale today where the honour was presented to his cousin John, watched on by other members of the family. Also there to see the presentation were councillors from Blaenau Gwent, Nick Smith MP and Alun Davies MS.
John said:
"It's a real privilege to accept the Freedom of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent on behalf of Ray, and with his family present to mark the occasion. I'm sorry he's not with us to see this today but I know he would have really enjoyed this; it would be right up his street! Thank you from all the family for this wonderful honour."
Ray Reardon was born in Tredegar and made a great contribution to the world of snooker not only in Tredegar but throughout Wales and globally. He dominated the sport of snooker for the best part of a decade winning six World Snooker Championships between 1970 and 1978 and more than a dozen other professional titles over the course of his career.
He died in July this year at the age of 91.
Cllr Chris Smith, Presiding Member of the Council, presented the scroll. He said:
“I was delighted that all members of the Council supported bestowing the Freedom of the Borough posthumously on Ray, and it’s been an absolute privilege to be with his family today and present them with this honour. Ray was a true legend and character of the sport. He was focused and determined whilst at the table, but away from it was well known for his warmth and humour, a true gentleman. Ray is very deserving of the highest honour we can award as a Council.”
Ray is the second snooker player to receive this honour, following Mark Williams in 2019. It is the highest honour a Local Authority can bestow on an individual.
