Borough Life Autum 2006: Whelan’s Honour
Dave Whelan is set to receive the freedom of the borough. As Borough Life was going to press, the man dubbed ‘Mr Wigan’ by the media was due to receive the honour at a special council ceremony at the end of August.
Mr Whelan has been nominated for his outstanding contribution to the life of the borough, and not just because of his role with Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors.
His sportswear empire's Wigan headquarters employs almost 1,000 people, and he personally financed the construction of the town’s showpiece JJB Stadium, which opened in 1999.
Less well known is his regular contribution to local charities and his support for young brass band players. Mr Whelan, 69, will be the first new freeman honoured by Wigan Council since 2000.
Council leader Peter Smith said: “Dave Whelan is Wigan through and through and in building the JJB stadium he has put his money where his heart is. Not least of his achievements is the success of JJB Sports, which has its international headquarters in Wigan and provides a thousand jobs locally.
“He has also been a generous contributor to charity and supporter of our young brass musicians.”
The award is a ceremonial one – it confers no special privileges – but is given to people who have ‘made an eminent and distinguished contribution to the life of the borough’.
Previous recipients include rugby legend Billy Boston, Leigh Centurions stalwart Tommy Sale and former high sheriff of Greater Manchester Avril Fishwick.