Tom Pink

		The AAA Tom Pink Relays The AAA have generously been left a bequest by the late Alice and Lewis Pink, for a children’s programme in memory of their son Tom who was tragically killed in an accident in the early 1970’s. After discussion with the Pink Family, the AAA have agreed to use this gift to fund a series of children’s relays in support of and leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Tom Pink was the only child of Alice and Lewis Pink; he was born on 28 October 1952. He attended Rutlish School in Merton Park, south west London, where he became, in due course, Head Boy. He enjoyed academic success, obtaining eight ‘O’ levels and two ‘A’ levels, but he was also a very good sportsman. Tom was particularly keen on rugby football and athletics, becoming a school boy champion at running and joining Haywards Heath Harriers and Mitcham Athletic Club. After leaving school Tom had been working for the Nat West Bank in St James, Piccadilly, for just one month when, on 21 August 1971, he was tragically killed in a car accident on the way to an athletics match in which he was to have competed for Mitcham AC. Shortly afterwards, to commemorate his life, Tom’s parents arranged for a bench seat to be placed as a memorial alongside his favorite training route in Richmond Park. In addition, his friends provided a memorial cup as an annual  trophy for the Surrey County Amateur Athletic Association’s Youth age Road Relay Championship. This very generous bequest to the Amateur Athletic Association by Tom’s parents is in acknowledgement and appreciation of the positive influence which athletics had on the life of their son and has been made with the intention of enabling events which will help to attract young people into the sport from which Tom himself had derived great benefit and, clearly much enjoyment.
		1 Keeping up with Paula (mixed teams of Under 11 Girls and Boys) This is a 2000 metre continuous relay for mixed teams of 10 girls and boys in the under 11 age group. It is a well proven event which has proved very popular with the youngsters and demonstrates to the children just how fast Paula was running when she set the Commonwealth Record at 3000 metres. A large clock indicates the lap times as the relay progresses and only a few teams have ever managed to keep ahead of the target. An announcer, informing the children and spectators lap by lap if they are ahead or behind the target, creates considerable excitement. Incidentally, Paula used to take part in these as a little girl.  2 Chasing Kelly (Teams of 5 under 13 Girls) This will be a 1500 metre continuous relay for teams 5 in the under 13 girls age group. This is a challenge for the girls to beat Kelly’s 800 metre and 1500 metre record. Each team member will run 3 times over 100 metres to complete the distance. Kelly has given this event her blessing. 3. 1500 metre Chase for Boys (Teams of 5 under 15 Boys) For the boys we would again hold a 1500 metre continuous relay for teams of 5 in the under 13 age group. This is a challenge for the boys to chase the times set by Seb and the two Steve’s for the 800 metre and 1500 metres distances. Each team member will run 3 times over 100 metres to complete the distance. Outreach The funding from the bequest will enable the AAA to hold 10 to 12 events a year in the UK but should further sponsorship become available we would like to get the programme into every nook and cranny of the Nation. The AAA working with UKA and England Athletic are keen to support the Olympic effort and stimulate interest in our sport amongst youngsters.

This site was last updated 08/07/07