It is with sadness that Little Athletics NSW received the news of the passing of one of our long-serving officials, Phill Blunt. Phill passed away suddenly at home on Sunday. The start of Phill’s involvement in our sport was when his children Rebecca, Trevor and Stephen joined Blacktown LAC in the 1986/1987 season.

This started his love of Little Athletics and in particular as an official as a track judge. Phill joined the Blacktown centre committee in 1988 and continued as a valuable member for over 30 years. He covered various roles during his time including; –

Publicity Officer

1988 – 1989

Secretary

1989 – 1991

Officer for Officials

1991 – 1994

Council Liaison Officer

1994 – 1999

Officer for Officials

1999 – 2004

Assistant to Officer for

Officials

2004 – 2007

Officer for Officials

2007 – 2020

He also served on the West Met Zone Officials Committee and represented Blacktown LAC at Zone Meetings. Phill was one of the centre delegates at the LANSW AGM &Conference for over 20 years. He was awarded a LANSW Merit Award for service to Little Athletics in 1998. He served as an official at Zone & Region carnivals for over 30 years.

Phill has also been an NSW official since 1991 and has officiated at over 100 LANSW State competitions as a place judge and Chief place judge. He also officiated at 1997, 2004, 2011 & 2017 Australian LA Championships, when they were held in Sydney.

Phill was a person who could always be relied on to help whenever any centre asked for assistance at a gala day or centre competition. One of Phill’s greatest assets was the mentoring of other officials. He was responsible for nurturing and teaching numerous people from different centres to become Zone, Region & State Officials. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Claire and family.

RIP Phill.