Donald Blacklock Receives Lester B. Pearson Award

Twenty-seven years ago Donald (Don) Blacklock took to the lacrosse field in the black and white stripes to begin his career as an official in Canada's national summer sport.  A leader both nationally and internationally, Don has been a catalyst in the development of Canada’s national field officiating program - a program recognized internationally as the best in the world of lacrosse.  With Don’s efforts and those who support him, Canada has been successful in the development of world class officials and assessors.  Often during the organization of world level competitions, Canada is called upon to supply the majority of the officials and assessors - something that many in the Canadian lacrosse world directly relate to the strong efforts of Don leading the development of our national officiating program.

On July 18 during the 2013 FIL Women's World Cup, in front of his peers, Don was named the 2013 recipient for the Lester B. Pearson Award.  The Lester B. Pearson award is presented by the CLA to an individual in recognition of outstanding contributions of sportsmanship and leadership in the game of lacrosse and to the physical and mental development of young Canadians through unselfish dedication as a volunteer.

A field official first, Don has officiated in the box sector program and demonstrates a love of lacrosse that is enviable and undeniable.  Although he currently resides in England, he continues his efforts to develop officials throughout the world and never forgets his roots Canada.  Don is a role model to everyone around him and is one of those officials who has the “IT” factor for developing and marketing the officiating program. 

To his credit, Don has been an official in 20 Canadian national field lacrosse championships, either as an on-field official or referee-in-chief.  His contributions to the Canadian game go beyond his years on the field as he served in administrative and leadership roles, such as his four-year tenure as CLA Field Lacrosse Referee-in-Chief.  Internationally, he maintains the high standard that has come to be expected with Canadian officials as he currently holds the position of Chair of Men's Officiating for the Federation of International Lacrosse. 

It was with great pleasure that the CLA presented the Lester B. Pearson award to Don and publically acknowledged his contribution to our great sport.

Thank you, Mr. Donald Blacklock.