Hank Phillips, 66 of Topeka, KS has been named the inaugural winner of the Sunflower State Games Volunteer of the Year Award presented by FHLBank of Topeka for 2009. Phillips, who is a retired Quality Engineer from Sauer-Danfoos in Lawrence, has been volunteering for the Sunflower State Games since 2001.

Originally from New London, Connecticut, Phillips was an athlete in High School participating in Baseball, Basketball and Football. Shortly after his eight year stint in the Air Force, Phillips was involved in a motorcycle accident that cut short his ability to stay active in sports. Since then, Hank stays involved by volunteering and assisting with various sporting events and tournaments. “I just like to be around competition and watching young people grow from the lessons they learn by competing,” says Phillips who has served as a Gym Supervisor for the Women’s Basketball division for several years with the Sunflower State Games. “I love watching Women’s Basketball because they use the true fundamentals upon which the game was built. It’s much more enjoyable to take in than a Men’s game.”

Phillips keeps his retirement schedule relatively full by playing the organ and taking in a round of golf every now and then. He is also active in the community, volunteering for the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner for the homeless and assisting with the production of various fundraisers for KTWU. “I love the spirit and sportsmanship that the Sunflower State Games brings out in athletes. I think it is a great event for the state of Kansas,” said Phillips.

The Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize volunteers who exceed required volunteer expectations to support and contribute to the success of the Sunflower State Games. FHLBank of Topeka is the presenting sponsor of the Volunteer of the Year Award.