Chris Colmer, who has devoted 26 years of service to the club has finally decided to hang up his whistle having filled almost every position imaginable during his tenure with HAAC.

Colmer has served as club president, vice president, welfare officer, race director — as well as arranging a number of club events including the HAAC Track and Field Championships and Highland Games events.

The veteran’s departure will leave a big hole at the club, one which club president Laura Johnstone admits will be hard to replace.

She told Advertiser Sport: “Chris has been hugely inspiring to club members of all ages.

“His dedication, commitment and passion shines through in everything he does.

“He will be greatly missed as a coach — but we are delighted that he is remaining active as a technical officer for the club.” Colmer has experienced it all during his involvment with the club, and was one of the key figures behind the building of the club’s current clubhouse — also holding an honorary life membership position.

In addition to his administrative duties, Colmer has been involved in coaching the club’s junior section since 1999.

Until the beginning of last year, Colmer, a fully-qualified UKA technical official, was head of the junior section and worked to provide as many sporting opportunities as possible to the children under his tutelage.

Colmer said: “I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing the youngsters develop and improve and I also enjoy watching them compete.” However Chris looks set to enjoy more time with his wife Betty, who has also gone way beyond the call of duty in her time with the club, and the rest of his family.

The athletics bug will not wash off the club veteran easily, who intends to stay involved.

Laura Johnstone added: “Chris is one of a kind, a warm welcome and cup of tea will always await him in the HAAC clubhouse.” Chris Colmer, who has devoted 26 years of service to the club has finally decided to hang up his whistle having filled almost every position imaginable during his tenure with HAAC.

Colmer has served as club president, vice president, welfare officer, race director — as well as arranging a number of club events including the HAAC Track and Field Championships and Highland Games events.

The veteran’s departure will leave a big hole at the club, one which club president Laura Johnstone admits will be hard to replace.

She told Advertiser Sport: “Chris has been hugely inspiring to club members of all ages.

“His dedication, commitment and passion shines through in everything he does.

“He will be greatly missed as a coach — but we are delighted that he is remaining active as a technical officer for the club.” Colmer has experienced it all during his involvment with the club, and was one of the key figures behind the building of the club’s current clubhouse — also holding an honorary life membership position.

In addition to his administrative duties, Colmer has been involved in coaching the club’s junior section since 1999.

Until the beginning of last year, Colmer, a fully-qualified UKA technical official, was head of the junior section and worked to provide as many sporting opportunities as possible to the children under his tutelage.

Colmer said: “I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing the youngsters develop and improve and I also enjoy watching them compete.” However Chris looks set to enjoy more time with his wife Betty, who has also gone way beyond the call of duty in her time with the club, and the rest of his family.

The athletics bug will not wash off the club veteran easily, who intends to stay involved.

Laura Johnstone added: “Chris is one of a kind, a warm welcome and cup of tea will always await him in the HAAC clubhouse.”