Proud to serve historic Club

Date: 29th March 2019

Photo Credit: Stawell Times News

Neil Blizzard, Senior Vice President of the Stawell Athletic Club

The Stawell Athletic Club has been responsible for staging the Stawell Gift in all but four years since 1878 and has built the iconic and historic race into one of the world’s most famous and prestigious foot races.

The committee spends most of the year planning, attending meetings and constantly looking at aspects to improve the pinnacle of professional running events.  Then it is all-hands-on-deck, when Central Park turns from being a regular local cricket pitch and football oval to a nationally televised major Australian sporting event over Easter four-day holiday period.

Neil Blizzard’s current position on the Stawell Athletic Club committee is Senior Vice President.  He is a relative newbie to the Committee, having served for five years, previously as President.

Filling in for the current President Darryle Harrison when needed is easy for Neil as it’s a role he knows well.  As the deputy Neil is also responsible for liaising with the wonderful sponsors and corporate members, vital for both the Club and the Stawell Gift to continue the heritage and success for many more years.

“Although I have only been involved for a short time compared to some of the other members, it has become an important part of my life,” said Neil. “It is hard to explain the feeling of being part of one of the most historic clubs in the country.”

“For me, just being part of the Club was an honour, but the defining moment was seeing my name on the Presidents Honour Board.  This left me with an incredibly proud feeling, to know I had been entrusted to lead such as iconic Club.”

When Neil is not at Central Park he is to be found at Raymond Blizzard Optometrists, the go-to provider of fashionable, reliable optical wear and eye care for three generations… and counting!  Stores in Stawell, Ararat and St Arnaud.

 

 

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