DSC Executive Director Honored by Professional Hunters Association of South Africa

Written by Administrator

Friday, 07 December 2007

Dallas Safari Club Executive Director, Gray Thornton, was awarded the Coenraad Vermaak Award for Distinguished Service for 16 years of service to the professional hunting industry and PHASA during their Gala Banquet November 22, 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Award was presented by its founder and namesake, Coenraad Vermaak, who stated the following when presenting the award: “When history one day sits to judge South Africa’s current era of development it will surely rate trophy hunting as one of the most influential contributors to wildlife conservation. It is this organization (PHASA) which is the gearbox of that influence and it is the hunting industry as a whole which largely sustains it. I believe that the people who have subscribed to and whole-heartedly promoted what I have just said, who have helped to build this organization, and unselfishly served it, need to be applauded and recognized. Consequently, this handsome bronze is awarded annually to an individual selected by your Executive in recognition of his or her distinguished service. Previous recipients of this award were Don Lindsay, Bill Daly, Di Pieterse, Basie Maartens, Ronnie Rowland and Ian Goss. The 7th recipient is just as well known to all of us. A man who personally, and through the organization he represents, has always promoted PHASA and support it in so many ways – often inconspicuously but always effectively. A man whom I, and you in PHASA, are proud to be associated with and to whom this organization is very thankful. A man who has made it his business to attend this meeting for 16 years. A man who is a close friend of PHASA and its members. A man who is highly respected in the hunting world for his leadership, opinion, enthusiasm and sense of judgment. Ladies and gentlemen, the Coenraad Vermaak Award for Distinguished Service to PHASA and the hunting industry, for exceptional dedication, commitment and service – we salute you – Gray Thornton.” Thornton was previously honored by PHASA in 2004 as the recipient of their Wildlife Utilisation Award, the association’s highest conservation honor.

Last Updated ( Friday, 07 December 2007 )

 

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