Basketball NSW is saddened by the news that the doyen of basketball from Lithgow Peter Pender has passed away. Peter passed away after a short illness on Monday the 5th July 2016.
Peter was heavily involved in the Lithgow Basketball Association and has held the position of President, Secretary, Treasurer and served on numerous committees and was awarded a Life Membership of the Lithgow Basketball Association.
The development of Country Basketball in NSW was also something that Peter worked hard on and took many Lithgow teams to Country Championships from the late 50’s up until 1988.
In 1984 Peter took a Lithgow under 14 boys team on a tour to Victoria and in 1985-86 Coach Pender took the under 16 Lithgow boys teams to the USA on tour.
Involvement with the New South Wales junior state teams was a passion of Peter’s and from 1967 until 1979 Peter held many positions in both the Junior Men’s and Women’ programs.
In the NSW Junior Men’s program Peter held the positions of Coach, Manager, Assistant Coach and Selector spaning the years 1967 to 1979. Peter was a selector for the NSW under 18 and 16 Women’s teams from 1975 to 1976.
For many years Peter was involved with the Basketball NSW Junior Men’s Committee in conducting the Junior Men’s Easter Camp held annually at Narrabeen National Fitness centre where he assisted his good mate and BNSW Hall of Fame Member and Legend Bob Staunton OAM.
On behalf of the Basketball NSW Board, members and staff we would like to pass on our condolences to the family as well Peter’s many friends and colleagues.
Peter’s funeral will be held at St Pauls Anglican Church, corner Railway Parade and Roy Street, LITHGOW, NSW, 2790 on Monday 11th July, 2016 commencing at 11.00am.