History

Have you and your friends ever had the lively discussion / argument, ‘who is the best at Sport amongst you?’ Well this very discussion took place at the Westbourne Pub in Notting Hill, London between a household of Australian friends in 2006. The result was the Inaugural ‘Notting Hill Sport Off!’

It was to see teams tackle each other over four events, during one day of intense competition. With the team finishing with the most points crowned ‘The Sport Off Champ!’

The event grew over the following years with many notable athletes participating. They hailed from all parts of the world, coming from as far a field as Romania (ATM, the swimming sensation), South Africa (Donald, the not very good at anything yet somehow won), New Zealand and of course the Australians, who it has to be said have dominated the event from the outset.

As with all things sporting there have been many controversial moments. This is to be expected with the level of competition so high. Notable mention has to go to Dawso, who found himself trailing the leaders in the 2008 Sport Off leading into the final event. He took it upon himself to suggest to the referee, who was somewhat small in stature, the inclusion of a rather controversial event. An event that he thought he might have a chance at winning. Thankfully Brian, a referee of the highest calibre, dealt with this unsporting behaviour accordingly and the athlete in question was quickly removed from the car / competition.

It is often said ‘a game is only as good as how it is refereed’. And after the second Sport Off, which I will simply refer to as the Murph Debarcle. Where some very dubious scoring led to some unlikely winners. It was decided that professional referees were required to facilitate the smooth running of the day. After being inundated with applications, the tough job was handed to the following people for the respective years.

Brian – 2008 Sport Off Referee

Credentials: Was an Ewok in StarWars Return of the Jedi. Has also appeared in several episodes of Topgear.

Ebony and Jerri – 2009 Sport Off Referee’s

  Credentials: Both accomplished models from Essex, England.

Murph – 2007 Sport Off Referee

Credentials: Murph Tours, alias Hans Schnieder