Late Sydney Swans member, fan, hydration specialist, and beloved friend, Kenny Williams, will forever hold a place at the SCG after a tribute was unveiled on Monday, April 3 to mark what would have been his 94th birthday.
Kenny’s wife Yvonne, daughter Diane Williams Harapin, and their family, together with representatives from the Sydney Swans and SCG, turned out as red and white seats marked “Kenny Williams” and Yvonne Williams” were unveiled in the Noble Stand.
The special tribute marks the place where Kenny and Yvonne sat to watch countless Sydney Swans games together, sharing a love of the game and the club.
The family later gathered in the goal square as some of Kenny’s ashes were scattered on the SCG’s hallowed turf.
Kenny’s daughter Diane shared the following statement on behalf of the family:
On behalf of my mother Yvonne and our family, we would like to thank Kerrie Mather, CEO and Phil Heads from the SCG, and Tom Harley CEO of the Sydney Swans for this huge honour.My father Kenny started his journey with the Sydney Swans as a small child in South Melbourne, however he is most well-known for the variety of volunteer roles he held at the Sydney Cricket Ground since 1982: videographer, trainer, SCG doorman, ambassador, spokesperson, head hydration specialist and leader of the Victory Song. He became affectionately known as Kenny_SCG on social media.
In the early days mum was involved with the after-match functions, joining up countless new members, cooking roast dinners for many of the boys over 40 years, providing all players a birthday cake as their surrogate Nana. It has been their greatest pleasure to watch the club grow to have over 50,000 members. We are humbled by this generous and thoughtful tribute for all the years of devotion and service of Kenny and Yvonne Williams.
The club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Kenny, Yvonne and their family for their passion, service, and commitment. We miss you Kenny, rest in peace.
