The former vice-president steps into the role, replacing Darryle Harrison.

Mr Blizzard was the president of the club three years ago and has been on the committee for six years.

"The first time I was president, the role was more about learning," he said.

"This time around I have a different skill set to take into the role and be a little more around what's going on.

"I think it's going to be easier in terms of knowledge but a lot harder in achieving the things we want to achieve."

In the spotlight for a number of past seasons is sponsorship which has impacted the event in recent years.

2019 saw a significant reduction in the prize pool, the total prizemoney for the winners of the Stawell Gift and Women's Gift totalled $25,000 each, with $17,000 going to the winners of the respective races.

"We're working hard," Mr Blizzard said.

"A lot of people think we are going out and doing it on our own but we're working with many companies including companies who obtain sponsorship.

READ MORE: Stawell Gift prize pool drops due to lack of sponsorship

"We're working with a lot of people trying to secure funding."

Mr Blizzard said the "horizon" had changed for sponsorship within all sports.

"Because there are so many sports or events which have formed, it's hard to sell a three-day event," he said.

"That's the biggest issue we are faced with. We're looking at ways to make our event more interesting for sponsors and going from there."

Mr Blizzard said the committee would continue to work hard on preparations for the 2020 Gift, as they have done since the 2019 event.

"The committee works all year to put on the event," he said.

"Sponsorship is a serious problem so that has been a really big priority. Companies we've spoken to have assumed we would get sponsorship because it is such a big event.

"Moving forward we will be looking at a number of options and looking at a number of ways we can minimise risk for the future of the Gift.

RELATED: Reigning Stawell Gift champions respond to prizemoney drop for 2019 event

"When we explore options we need to make sure we're not changing what the Stawell Gift is. It's a huge challenge."

Mr Blizzard interest in athletics and the club started when his children were running in events.

"There was a chance after going around to different events to be a part of the club," he said.

"Being part of the Stawell Athletic Club is an incredible experience. You think you are just going to go in for a year or two on the committee to help but you get caught up in what Stawell is.

"It's an incredibly rich history of 140 years of athletics. It would be so hard to walk away from something like that."

The 2020 Stawell Gift will be hosted over Easter, April 10-13.

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