A Long service Award is to be bestowed on Cliff Blumfield.
The Gisborne Basketball Association last year bestowed a Life Membership on Cliff Blumfield for his service to the game.
Cliff first blew his whistle at the Army Hall in the days of the Poverty Bay Basketball Association.
His good humour away from the game, calmness on the floor and enthusiasm for sport generally have made him a valued member of the basketball community.
He refereed professionally in the United Kingdom and played a part in the creation of the Suns in 1989. It was Cliff who was tasked with the collection and delivery of 6ft 8in, 17-stone Doug De Vore and 6ft 7in, 18-stone Robson Tavita to Gisborne from Auckland, in a Ford Laser, in 1990!!
Cliff played for Gisborne Boys’ High School, first picking up a whistle while still a student there, travelling to tournaments before refereeing professionally in the United Kingdom and the NZ NBL.
He refereed the Gisborne Suns’ opening second-division game against Rotorua, in front of a more than-full house on April 22, 1989.
On receiving his Life Membership Cliff commented “I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve met a lot of people, a lot of characters, here and elsewhere that I never would have if it hadn’t been for basketball.
His citation reads:
He was fit, quick around the court, highly qualified and highly regarded.
Cliff’s refereed thousands of games around the country, from kids’ under-13s to men’s first, second and third division and women’s basketball. His commitment and contribution over many years have been outstanding and reflect the kind and generous man he is.
Cliff Blumfield is the recipient of a 50 year Long Service Award
