Jennifer Pittorino
One month after losing long time friend Chris Miles on May 5, Miles Blair speaks about the lasting impact his friend had on the lacrosse community and the touching way he chose to honour his legacy.
“Chris joined Footscray Lacrosse Club in 2000 and made an immediate impact to the State League defence, amassing a total of 297 senior games,” Miles said.
“Chris was a great teammate, the ultimate club man, workhorse around the club, always first to arrive and last to leave, caring, charismatic and generous.
“He always had your back.”
Chris was known to financially support players of the league, particularly those coming to play from international countries.
Since 2017, Chris had been the club’s driving force behind primary school programs, junior recruitment and social lax programs, as well as coaching the junior boys teams.
He also served on the FLC Committee and was acknowledged a Best Club Person multiple times for his dedication, passion and commitment to FLC and the growth of lacrosse.
Miles started a GoFundMe to give back to Chris’ wife Ange and their two children, to comfort the family during this time.
To continue to honour their friendship and Chris’ memory, Miles ran a 65 kilometre long trail race marathon called the Galicica Ultra.
The marathon set through the North Macedonian mountains, saying this is his way of saying goodbye.
“Chris and I had the same mentality, hard headed and a will to win at all costs,” he said.
“It was my way of saying goodbye, 12 hours with my own thoughts, reminding myself that no matter how hard life gets be grateful for what you have in the present.”
Details: shorturl.at/ahsA8
