NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: Celebrating Mark Blackman
Published Mon 19 May 2025
This National Volunteer Week, Athletics West proudly shines a spotlight on Mark Blackman, a dedicated volunteer whose service to athletics has spanned more than 18 years. Mark’s journey began like many others: standing on the sidelines as a parent. But what started as support for his daughter Caitlin at Little Athletics in Melville quickly evolved into a lifelong passion that has shaped events and athletes across Western Australia and beyond.
Together with his wife Teresea, Mark stepped off the sidelines and into the heartbeat of the sport.
“We weren’t the sort of people to just sit and watch,” he says.
“We’d rather get in and help.”
Since then, Mark has become a familiar and vital figure in athletics as a Technical Manager, often the first on-site and the last to leave. Whether he's raking the long jump pit, assembling jump boards, or inspecting and repairing equipment for competition, Mark’s attention to detail ensures athletes have the best possible platform to perform.
“Whether it’s as a tech manager, helping out from the sidelines as a coach, or just making sure the equipment is good, it all comes together at the end of the day.”
“If people have good equipment, they can perform better, and that usually means bigger smiles,” Mark says.
But Mark’s contribution goes beyond logistics. As a coach, he finds joy not in podium finishes but, in the energy, and excitement of young athletes who give their all.
“It doesn't matter whether they get a personal best or finish second or third, it really fills you with excitement just to see them enjoying it,” he says.
That joy and the smiles of the athletes are at the core of Mark’s philosophy: “Win, lose or draw, as long as the kids have a smile on their faces, I’ve done my job.”
Volunteering has become a family tradition for the Blackmans, rooted in a shared belief in giving back and lifting others up.
“Some people just need a bit of confidence to step in and help,” Mark explains.
“That’s what we try to do, encourage others, support them, and make sure they feel they can contribute too.”
After nearly two decades of service, Mark's motivation remains as strong as ever.
“We just do it because we really love doing it.”
From the equipment sheds to the coaching track, Mark Blackman is a quiet force helping keep athletics thriving. This National Volunteer Week, we thank Mark and volunteers like him for their dedication, passion, and the smiles they inspire across the sport.
To find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering at Athletics in WA and to start your athletics journey, click HERE or contact us using the details below.
For more information about how you can get started in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or email admin@athleticswest.com.au
By Imogen McDonald, Athletics West
Published 19 May 2025
