‘Arthur’ had a record in athletics very few could match. A founder member of Port Talbot YMCA Harriers (later Port Talbot Harriers) in 1921, he served in many capacities for the club and was still an active member and president of the club when he passed away at the grand old age of 90.
He was equally at home officiating at a local cross country or as a field referee at the White City stadium. He also officiated at the 1948 Olympic Games in London. He was a regular contributor of articles to Athletics Weekly and to local newspapers. He was president of Welsh AAA for 18 years, won the ‘Award of Honour’ from both WAAA and AAA, and was a life vice president of WAAA.
The late George Thomas (Speaker of the House of Commons and Lord Tonypandy) said, ‘Arthur was a tireless worker for Welsh athletics in general and his contribution will certainly not be equalled for many decades to come – if ever.’
Quite simply, there would have been no Port Talbot Harriers without Arthur Williams.
— Written by John Davies
