Hall of Fame
Gordon Woodford had an outstanding athletics career as an administrator and as an athlete making valuable contributions to the provincial association. In recognition of his extremely valuable and extremely impressive career he was awarded a life membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association in 1977.
From a building viewpoint, he played a major role in the tremendous success that track and field enjoyed in the 1977 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s. In fact, his performance prior to and during the Games was essential to the Games track and field competitions being held and being conducted at the high level that they were.
When he was elected provincial president in 1975, plans were starting for the athletics aspect of the Summer Games and the province had a great need for improvement in most aspects of the competition. He was the driving force that obtained financial support to obtain technical director Chris Pickard and he spearheaded all efforts to have suitable facilities in place for the Games. His negotiations with the provincial government and the Canada Games Committee generated the vital agreement that was responsible for the Games success as he filled the important role of co-ordinating chairman.
As an athlete during the mid 1940s he was an accomplished sprinter for Holy Cross with a long list of first place finishes in the 100, 220 and 440 yard sprints. His success was demonstrated at the provincial championships on Bell Island, at track and field meets at the Feildian Grounds and at an international meet at Argentia Naval Station as well as indoor meets at the CLB Armoury and the RNC drill hall. In1945 he set a record for the 100 yard dash with a time of 12.8 seconds.
His overall career as an administrator and an athlete was of the highest standard within provincial athletics as a standout sprinter and an outstanding leader. His leadership played a major role for athletics when it was needed most within Newfoundland and Labrador.
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