Local sporting figure Ted Hudson has received a 50-year service recognition award for his contribution to little athletics in the inner west – a sport he helped to establish more than 50 years ago.
The board of Little Athletics Victoria (LAVic) recently voted to honour Mr Hudson and Williamstown Little Athletics Centre presented Mr Hudson with the award at its end-of-season presentation on March 23.
Raised and educated in Williamstown, Mr Hudson embarked on his volunteer journey with little athletics at the age of 24 when he became team manager of the Williamstown Youth Centre Club – one of the 13 participating clubs in the inaugural season of the Williamstown Little Athletics Centre in 1967.
He has served in many roles since, ranging from administrative capacities to specialising in high jump coaching.
He continues to coach the high jump at local schools and help to organise high jump events at the South Melbourne Districts Little Athletics Centre, which joined Williamstown Little Athletics Centre in nominating Mr Hudson for the acknowledgement.
Reflecting on the award, Mr Hudson said one of the highlights of his volunteering career was having the opportunity to coach multiple generations of athletes within the same family.
“I’ve had parents say they are thrilled that their child has had the same coach as they did at Williamstown Little Athletics Centre a generation ago,” he said.
“Voluntary youth work, which little athletics has been a key part of it, has been the focus and purpose of my life.”
A spokesperson for the Williamstown Little Athletics Centre said they were pleased Mr Hudson had been honoured for his immense contribution to the sport.
“His passion for athletics and his commitment to developing young athletes have made him an icon in the local athletics community,” the spokesperson said.
