During the recent Athletics Victoria Annual General Meeting, club stalwart Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths was awarded an AV Merit Award for his contribution to the sport of athletics in Victoria.

Announcing the award, Athletics Victoria President Rob Wendel said,

“Among the many hats Steve wears, he is a highly regarded middle-distance coach who has mentored national-level athletes, supporting the development of many talented junior athletes in middle-distance events throughout his 60+ years with the Collingwood Harriers.

Joining the club in 1963, a year later, Steve was proud to be part of the Club’s first junior premiership when the Under 17s won the Olympic Park group title before defeating Sandringham and Coburg in the Association final. The team repeated its achievement the following year, again winning the Gordon Thompson Trophy for the sub-junior title.

Steve has consistently competed through summer and winter since joining the sport. He has filled a number of roles within his club, including president, secretary, social secretary, club magazine editor, VAAA Delegate, and now registrar and club historian.

Steve was awarded club life membership in 1984 and was honoured with the Norm Francisco Medal in 2013.”

Congratulations, Griffo, on behalf of the committee, life members, members present, past and future, we thank you for everything you do to make the club an enjoyable and inclusive place for all in athletics.

An award thoroughly deserved.