Nomination for Distinguished Service Award for Graham Lucas

Graham Lucas started his involvement with Little Athletics in 1991 when his son started with the Doncaster Saints Club.

Graham started to become willing involved in Club and Centre activities. Always giving a helping hand, his club approached him to join their committee within a few months of the 1991 season starting, due to a small number on their committee. Recognizing his many skills and his eagerness to jump in, that would benefit all, they asked him to be their President the following year.

 A. Club Involvement

• President: 1992/93 to 1997/98

• Registrar: 1992/93

• School Promotion: 1993/94 - Introduced program for Centre

 B. Centre Involvement

• Secretary: 1993/94 to 1997/98

• President: 1998/99 to 2001/02

• Coaching: 1995/96 to 2003/04

• Athletes in School Promotion: 1993/94 – ongoing. Assisted S. Tiballs in introduction

• Cross Country: 1992/93 to ongoing

• Track/equipment improvement: 1992/93 to ongoing

• On Track Program: 1998/99. Introduction at Doncaster LAC

• Publicity/Club Liaison: 2002/03 to 2003/04

• EMR Delegate: 1994/95 – present

• Conference Delegate: 1994/95 to 2002/03

 C. Region Involvement

• Vice President: 1997/98 to 1998/99

• President: 1999/2000 to ongoing

• Chief Starter: 1998/99 to ongoing

• Starter: 1993/94 to ongoing

• Competition Committee: 1998/99  to ongoing

• Finance Committee: 1998-99 to ongoing

• Delegate: 1994-95 to 2000-01

D. Association Involvement

• Starters Panel: 1993/94 or 1994/95 – ongoing

• Skills Development Program: 1997/98. Implementation

• Starters Seminars: 2001/02 to 2002/03. Organisation

• Assistant Chief Starter: 2001/02 to 2002/03

• Competition Panel: 2002/03

• Athletics in Schools: 2002/03. Pakenham etc

• VLAA Premises Move: 2002/03

• State Starter: 1997/98 to 2000/01

• Chief Starter: 2001/02 to 2003/04. Appointment for 2 years

• On Track Program: Helped with the development of this program

• Competition Panel: 2000/01 to 2003/04

 E. Other Involvement

• Introduced a program to Doncaster LAC for Clubs to recruit athletes from feeder schools.

• Assisted Sandy Tiballs (VLAA) in the introduction of Athletics in Schools for the Doncaster area in 1993/94.

• From 1993/94 assists DLAC in taking Athletes in Schools to approx 18 schools in the Doncaster area each year.

• Assisted Collingwood LAC with their Open Days

• Worked with Seniors and the Doncaster Council in obtaining new track for Doncaster Venue

• Helped with VLAA JLW Squads and ATC team training sessions and Sleepover at Doncaster

• CEO for VLAA. We at EMR acknowledge that this role cannot be taken into consideration, however the contribution Graham has made to the Association during this time should be recognized.

Graham has been a tireless worker and contributor within all areas of Little Athletics, from a club level right through to the Association. His commitment to the development of the sport is outstanding

The list above does not do Graham justice.

He has been a major factor in the development of EMR, continually involved in the decision making processes that makes EMR what it is today – a very successful Region.

He has been a willing helper within the Association whenever he has been asked, with the athletes being the most important aspect of his determination.

From coaching, to making the arrangements of the JLW & ATC team training sessions, to starting, to taking on roles with in Centre/ Region & Association level, some overlapping each other.

The Association recognized Grahams dedication in 2003 when they asked for his help in stepping into the role of  CEO.

EMR is fully satisfied that it is fitting to Graham’s commitment and support of Little Athletics in general that he be awarded this award. We trust that the information provided is satisfactory for acceptance by the board.

 This page was last updated on 16/08/05