Sally Anne Minty-Gravett, MBE to Receive the 2023 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award
FORT LAUDERDALE – The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) willrecognize Sally Anne Minty-Gravett, MBE, for her extensive contributions to theadministration of open water swimming with the 2023 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W.Wheeler Memorial Award. The Award will be presented to Sally during the InternationalMarathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) Induction and Award Ceremony in New YorkCity on Saturday May 6th, 2023. The Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler MemorialAward is presented annually by the International Swimming Hall of Fame to the individualwho has contributed the most to the administration of open water swimming.This year’s award recognizes Sally Anne Minty-Gravett, MBE, an open water swimmingadministrator from Jersey (Channel Islands) who was a founding member and President ofthe Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club for 28 years. During this period, Jersey became aleading location for marathon swimming with these results:25 local swimmers (out of a totalpopulation of 105,000) soloed the English Channel (33 km); 106 Round Jersey solos (51 km)and 36 Jersey to France (22.5 km) solos.
The local team of volunteers ensured that the Jersey swims cost 20% of an English Channelsolo with all proceeds going back into the club to fund mostly swimming events for kids.She was also a founder members and honorary life members of the IMSHOF HonorOrganization: Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation and life member of the IMSHOFHonor Organization: British Long Distance Swimming Association.Sally is an accomplished marathon swimmer: two-way English Channel crossing (plus a soloin each of the last 6 decades) and Triple Crown. She was inducted into theInternational Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 2005.For additional information, please call Ned Denison in Ireland at (+353) 87-987-1573 or ISHOF at (+1954) 462-6536, or visit https://ishof.org
Happy Birthday to our founder, Buck Dawson
The purpose of many museums is to remember history. Probably, one of the most important pieces of ISHOF’s history is a man named Buck Dawson, and many of you probably have never heard of him. But, if you were lucky enough to know Buck, boy, was he something !!! Buck was born on Halloween, which is pretty appropriate if you knew anything about him. I’m not really even sure why, but of all the holidays, Halloween seems to fit Buck the best! Maybe its because everyone dresses up and has fun on Halloween! And that’s what Buck was all about, FUN! Buck was the reason ISHOF exists. He was hired as the very first Executive Director of ISHOF, but nobody was a better promoter, than Buck. And nobody could promote anything better than Buck. He was going to put ISHOF on the map, one way or another! Buck got all kinds of people to come to visit our Hall of Fame ~ Presidents, movie stars, boxing legends, Astronauts, Royalty, you name it, if they were somebody, Buck figured out a way to get them to the Hall of Fame! Read below and learn about Buck Dawson’s life and why he was one of the most beloved characters in all of swimming!
FOR THE RECORD: Founding Executive Director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (1964); Known as the “Walking Encyclopedia of the Sport”.
He claims his family doesn’t allow him to swim in public! (Only at night when no one can see!) But Buck Dawson has done more for swimming than any non-swimmer in the world.
William Forrest Dawson — “Buck” is a historian, fundraiser, author, promoter, and of course, prankster.
Buck, wife Rosemary, Matt Mann and family
Buck first got involved with swimming after his marriage to RoseMary Mann — daughter of the late Matt Mann. From then on, it went something like this: organizing the Ann Arbor Swim Club, co-directing Matt Mann swim camps in Canada each year (Camp Ak-O-Mak and Camp Chikopi), chairing Michigan women’s swim AAU for eight years, and serving three terms on the United States Olympic Swim Committee. He shares responsibility in starting the women’s national collegiates and reviving national women’s water polo.
Dawson likes to think of himself as a coach and still keeps his hand in training marathon swimmers and national long distance individual and team winners in US swimming. Besides his special gift with children, he has also made magic at the International Swimming Hall of Fame for the past twenty years. Dawson was chosen the Hall’s first executive director in 1963. He has made the Hall grow from an idea to a shoebox collection, and ultimately a million dollar operation as the showcase and archives of swimming.
One of his many great successes at the Hall of Fame was his introduction of Swim-A-Thon to the United States, which increased the endowment of ISHOF and raised funds for individual swim clubs and teams. This tireless, smiling, globetrotting ambassador of swimming can also be credited for the thousands of athletes, fans and press alike who have flocked to Fort Lauderdale for sun, fun and swimming.
Buck with President Ronald Reagan
It was Buck who gave the American Swimming Coaches Association some roots back in 1971 when he and the Hall of Fame staff assumed administrative duties for ASCA. Dawson was a powerhouse not only in ASCA but also in the organization of another association – the National Swim and Recreation Association.
He is also the founder and first president of the Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fame — a group of some 80 Hall of Fame directors. Throughout the years, it has been Buck who traveled from meet to meet armed with Hall of Fame brochures, books and bumper stickers always spreading the word, always willing to talk and teach swimming to anyone who would listen.
President Gerald R. Ford and fellow Michigan alum Buck Dawson at ISHOF 1977
A day doesn’t go by without “Good Morning, America,” “USA Today,” “NBC Nightly News” or one of the nation’s top swim coaches calling to speak to Buck. He is respected in this field not only for his knowledge but his zest for life. . . his search for new facts, memorabilia. . . new ways to teach those children to swim and keep the sport alive and growing. Dawson is the link between our age group swimmers and our swimming legends. He is the common denominator that ties the past to the present.
Dawson’s specialties? Swimming, diving, synchro, water polo, water safety, bathing suits, bathing beauties. . .
Dawson eats, lives and breathes swimming. He has written numerous books and has been the recipient of many prestigious awards. Buck IS the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Who else would name an ISHOF mascot Mark the Spitz? Or snicker at the thought of a dog paddle derby?
Buck with movie star Marlene Dietrich and friends
Dawson is hype, show business — an idea and PR man. Throughout his life, he has always gotten his kicks out of promoting something or somebody else he believed in : in the war it was Generals Gavin and Ridgeway- the 82nd Airborne; later his alma mater, the University of Michigan; his family, swim camps and ultimately the Swimming Hall of Fame, swimming and swimmers.
What does this walking encyclopedia say about himself? “I wouldn’t say I’m a workaholic, but I think swimming has been my hobby. . . I have been sort of a little bit of everything. I feel this (the Swimming Hall of Fame) has been the culmination of my life.”
Buck is “retired” now, serving as executive director emeritus. Undoubtedly he is still putting in the 18 hour days and the endless journeys and speeches that have made him one of swimming’s most active and knowledgeable spokesmen.
We lost Buck on April 4, 2008, but he will never be forgotten because his legacy at ISHOF will always live on…..
Call for Nominations for the ISHOF 2023 Induction Class – submit by December 15, 2022
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is accepting nominations for the 2023 class of inductees, which honors individuals who have achieved tremendous success in the aquatic disciplines and/or made a significant impact on the sport of aquatics through their lifelong efforts. Nominations must be submitted along with supporting materials by December 15, 2022.
The 2023 Inductees will be honored at ISHOF’s annual Induction Ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA on Saturday September 30, 2023.
Nominations can be made by anyone in any of the following seven categories:
SWIMMER (includes Olympic, Masters, Marathon, Open Water and Pioneer Swimmers)DIVER (includes Olympic, Masters and Pioneer Divers)WATER POLO PLAYER (includes Olympic, Masters and Pioneer Water Polo Players)ARTISTIC SWIMMER (includes Olympic, Masters and Pioneer Synchronized Swimmers)PARALYMPIAN (includes only athletes at Paralympic Games)COACH (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, Masters, Open Water & Marathon Swimming)CONTRIBUTOR (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, Masters, Open Water & Marathon Swimming)
Nomination Forms
Nomination forms can be found on the ISHOF website. You can complete and submit the form online, or print the form and return it via email (meg@ishof.org), fax (954.525.4031) or snail mail (Meg Keller-Marvin, International Swimming Hall of Fame, 1 Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)
Requirements for Nomination
Each nominee must meet the following minimum criteria to appear on the ballot: (see full list of criteria)
Generally, athletes shall not be chosen unless retired from international competition at least four years, or at least one Olympic quadrennial. “Athletes” refers to swimmers, open water swimmers (FINA), divers, water polo players and artistic (synchronized) swimmers and paralympic swimmers. Masters and Marathon swimmers (Non-FINA) may be nominated without retirement after being inducted in their respective Hall of Fame and will be voted on by the same criteria as all other nominees.Note that male and female candidates are grouped together, alphabetically. Male and female candidates should be voted upon as one combined group per category.A coach must have a significant international record and have been coaching at least 25 years.A contributor must have been in aquatics at least 20 years and have had a significant international impact. Athletic achievement should NOT be considered, contributions are to the overall improvement or development of “international” sport through leadership, journalism, invention or other area of great, outstanding impact.The pioneer category was created to honor great achievements or advancements in aquatics that have been overlooked. These include special circumstances, such as interruptions caused by war or politics, barrier-breaking moments, societal changing events, etc. All nominees must exemplify the highest athletic moral and ethical standards. Any past or current violations of the spirit and principles of Olympism, such as doping, DUI’s, domestic violence, drug abuse, accusations of sexual offense etc. have to be disclosed at the time of nomination. If and when ISHOF is presented with substantial or compelling evidence, a criminal charge, conviction or admission of guilt, the ISHOF board of Directors will consider all options within our means and resources that will enable us to ensure the integrity of our Hall of Fame.Remember the key word – “international”. Emphasis should be placed on the international impact made by the nominee, not just within his or her own country.Consideration should be given to athletes failing to participate in Olympics because of non-Olympic years due to war (1916, 1940, 1944), boycotts (1980, 1984) injury, career interruptions and non-Olympic events such as the individual medley (I.M.) prior to 1964, etc.
Important: Please provide contact information (email, phone, or address) of the person you are nominating and a high-resolution photo (either a photo you took or a photo that you own the rights to).
For more information please email Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or call 570.594.4367
For an alphabetical list of current inductees, please visit the ISHOF website.
About ISHOF
The International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. (ISHOF), established in 1965, is a not-for-profit educational organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. It was first recognized by FINA, the International Olympic Committee’s recognized governing body for the aquatic sports, in 1968. ISHOF’s mission is to collaborate with aquatic organizations worldwide to preserve, educate and celebrate history, showcase events, share cultures, and increase participation in aquatic sports.
ISHOF hosts Paragon and Specialty Awards during Induction weekend
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) celebrated the recipients of the 2022 Paragon and ISHOF specialty awards on Friday evening, October 14, 2022, to kick off the ISHOF Induction weekend.
2022 Paragon Awards, sponsored by Pentair
The Paragon Class of 2022 consisted of six stellar individuals from around the globe with credentials that were quite impressive.
About This Year’s Paragon Award Recipients
Julie Ahlering – Diving
Bruce Wigo (ISHOF Curator), Julie Ahlering (Paragon Diving), Mike Fowler
St. Louis native Julie (Capps) Ahlering was a four-time All-American Diver and Scholar-Athlete for the University of Miami, coached by ISHOF Honoree, Tom Gompf, and ISHOF Paragon Award winner, Steve McFarland. She was a finalist in over 25 national diving events, including the Olympic Diving Trials.
After college, she returned to St. Louis and raised four sons, but diving was not at all forgotten. She was asked to become a FINA Certified Diving Judge and help provide needed expertise in the sport. In 2010 she became FINA certified and immediately became known as one of the best diving officials in the United States. She judged ten NCAA, ACC, and PAC-12 Championships as well as three Olympic Diving Trials. Ahlering soon became among the most respected international Diving judges in the World, judging FINA World Cups, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. She also represented the United States as their Olympic Judge in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Julie’s love for diving and dedication to Judging found a partner in arms with former Paragon winner, Cokey Huffman (2016). Together they, and other like-minded colleagues, established the United States Diving Judge Education and Certification Program. Today it is one of the world’s top programs of its kind. Ahlering’s contribution to the sport of Diving and her commitment to fair play will continue to live on through this program and her example of giving back to the sport she loves!
Margaret MacLennan – Artistic (Synchronized) Swimming
Bruce Wigo (ISHOF Curator), Michelle Calkins (ISHOF Honoree), Mike Fowler (Pentair)
At 84 years young, and living out in British Columbia, Margaret was unable to come to Fort Lauderdale and receive her Paragon Award in person. She was, however, very well represented by her former (synchronized) swimmer, ISHOF Honoree, Michelle Calkins DeFillippi, who flew in from Hawaii to represent and accept the award for Marg.
Margaret MacLennan was the first female to be named a member of the FINA Bureau (now FINA TSSC) in 1988 after she decided that synchronized swimming needed a presence. It was her passion and her valuable skills that not only earned her a seat on the Bureau but allowed her to influence the advancement of FINA rules for synchronized swimming. Her political astuteness and diplomacy elevated the credibility and interest of synchronized swimming in a field of male-dominated aquatic sports. She worked tirelessly and consistently with the Bureau during her tenure and was well respected by her peers.
She began as a long-time judge and volunteer in BC Synchro before she became involved in the sport at the international level as a member of the formerly named FINA TSSC (Technical Synchronized Swimming Committee), from 1980 to 1988. Margaret lobbied long and strong with her cohorts to bring Synchronized Swimming to the world stage as part of the Olympic Games, as well as working with FINA to elevate the sport. She served as the Technical Delegate for Synchro at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and officiated the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Games as well.
She began her synchronized swimming journey in Vancouver, Canada, swimming for several different synchronized swimming clubs (1959-1965). Her highest achievement was placing second in duet at the Canadian National Championships. Marg moved from the pool to the deck, founding and coaching several synchronized swimming clubs (1960-1973).
Marg has a son Doug, a daughter Ann and a grandson, Logan.
Al Beaird – Water Polo
Bruce Wigo, Al Beaird, Mike Fowler
After recently retiring from the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, ISHOF was pleased to honor Al for his many years of service to the sport of water polo, and it was nice that he was able to be joined by his wife and daughter.
For 24 years, Al Beaird served as Executive Director for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). He was the first Executive Director chosen in 1992 when the MPSF was created and established to serve the competitive needs of member institutions from the Big West, Pacific-10 (now the Pac-12), and Western Athletic Conferences, as well as other selected universities in the western United States; and to provide championships competition for Division I intercollegiate Olympic sports in a conference setting. The founding principles on which the MPSF was originally formed were to provide enhanced competition and championship opportunities for sports without conference affiliation, to contain the costs of competition, and to ensure the survival of endangered sports.
The MPSF sports portfolio included, among other sports, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and women’s water polo. Currently, the MPSF provides a conference home to 85-100 teams from 35+ universities in nine states competing in NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics. Since the inception of the Federation, MPSF teams have won 81 NCAA team titles…
In addition to his position as Executive Director at the MPSF, Al was a member of the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Committee 2000-2004 (committee chair 2001-2004) and chair of the inaugural NCAA Men’s and Women’s Joint Water Polo Rules Committee 2004. Member National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). Al retired from MPSF in 2021.
J. Arturo Abraldes, Ph. D. – Aquatic Safety
Bruce Wigo (ISHOF Curator), Dr. Arturo Abraldes, Mike Fowler (Pentair), Jennie Strauss (Translator)
Arturo lives in Murcia, on the Southeastern, coast of Spain, near Cartegena. He was very proud and pleased to travel to Florida and the United State to accept his award and be here in person and celebrate with his fellow award winners.
Dr. Arturo Abraldes is a fine example of a person that successfully mixes theory and practice in water safety, both nationally and internationally. He has served in the field of lifesaving as an academic, author, researcher, lifeguard, instructor, sports coach, journal editor, and conference facilitator for the last 25 years. His qualifications are both academic and vocational. He received a Master’s degree in Physical Education, Sports, and Health Education and a Ph.D. in Physical Education with a thesis on lifesaving. He holds 14 certifications in swimming, lifesaving, first aid, lifeguarding, instructor, coach, referee, and the national assessor from seven organizations (Spanish Lifesaving Federation, Galicia Lifesaving Federation, Rescue 3 International, Spanish Association Emergency, Spanish Swimming Federation, Spanish Lifesaving Referee Committee and Spanish Association Club Lifesaving), having practiced all these subjects.
Like his studies, his work has always been related to lifesaving professionally. After working for many years as a lifeguard and then sport lifesaving coach, he was instrumental in the formation of sports lifesaving of the Lifesaving Federation of Galicia, as the Secretary, Manager, and Vice President at different times. He also acts as a board member of the Lifesaving Federation of Galicia and the Spanish Association of Lifesaving Clubs.
And with over 180 publications, Arturo is one of the most prolific water safety authors in the world. He has co-authored over 20 lifesaving-related books, and numerous educational DVDs, and has been a speaker at national and international conferences. For his contributions to the field of water safety, he has been honored several times as well both locally and nationally.
Ellaine Cox – Competitive Swimming
Bruce Wigo (ISHOF Curator) and ISHOF Honor Contributor, Carol Zaleski accepting for Ellaine Cox, Mike Fowler (Paragon/Pentair)
If you have ever been to a United States Aquatic Sports convention, then you know or you’ve seen Ellaine Cox! Unfortunately, due to the kindness that is Ellaine, and the importance that she places on family, she was unable to accept her award in person……It was her Aunt’s 93rd birthday and all she wanted was for Ellaine to be a present for her birthday. So, Ellaine chose her Aunt’s feelings over her own. No surprise to anyone who knows Ellaine. Luckily, long-time friend, Carol Zaleski was there to step in for Ellaine and came prepared with a photo of her and Ellaine from the early 1990s. You were missed Ellaine!
Ellaine Cox began her career in swimming because she was a bored swim parent, sitting in the stands, waiting for her daughter to swim. She began as a timer, which evolved into a stroke and turns judge at the local level, state, and finally USA Swimming level, and was eventually attending monthly meetings in Indianapolis.
For Indiana Swimming she progressed from the representative for the monthly meetings for Michiana Marlins (South Bend) to Age Group Chairman, Administrative Vice Chairman, Indiana Swimming, and finally as a member of the Board of Directors. Eventually, Ellaine was asked to attend the annual United States Aquatic Sports convention, representing Indiana Swimming. She also served on the USA Swimming Site Selection/Facilities Committee for a number of years;
Recognizing another like-minded woman in 1986, Carol Zaleski asked Ellaine if she would consider chairing the Awards Committee for USA Swimming. Ellaine agreed and served as Chair until 2020 several committee responsibilities were taken in-house by USA Swimming for staff members to manage.
In 1998, Ellaine’s real talent was really put to the test when she was asked to become the Convention coordinator for the United States Aquatic Sports. Ellaine says she “was able to persuade the most amazing group of special friends, Bob and Helen Brown, Margaret Donofrio, Deb Turner, Penny Taylor, Paul, and Mary Beth Windrath, and Gay Wright to join me in this undertaking. As a team, we were able to generate one million dollars in profit for USAS in the years we were ‘in charge’.” Best bunch of brains and talents one could ask for! In 1999 we were responsible for our first convention in Burlingame, CA. As a result of the relationship, we established with Hyatt Hotels we were able to keep rates under control for the delegation that represented USA Diving, Master’s Swimming, USA Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, and Water Polo.”
Kent Williams, PPOA – Recreational Swimming
Photo Courtesy: Aquatics International
Although he was also unable to join us for health reasons, Kent Williams was also part of Paragon’s Class of 2022 in the category of Recreational Swimming.
Kent Williams literally wrote the book on swimming pool operations. He personally developed the program and wrote the textbook for the National Recreational Pool Association’s Aquatic facility Operator’s program, starting in 1991 and he went on to continue to help shape the educational pool operational process. In addition, he founded and operated the PPOA, the Professional Pool Operators of America, to promote professionalism and recognition of swimming pool operators.
Williams’s goal was to bring professionalism to his industry. In fact, to be part of his 1,500-member organization, you had to be a graduate of a recognized pool-operator curriculum, an instructor, or a pool-assigned environmental health specialist. “They’re truly professional because they are fully certified,” he would say. His PPOA membership stretched to Canada, Europe, Australia, Central America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. His group aimed to recognize, acknowledge, train, and refine the operators of institutional and public aquatics facilities throughout the Americas (and now the developed world).
Now retired, due to health issues, Williams is proud of what he did for his industry and hopes what he began continues to grow.
ISHOF Specialty Awards
The ISHOF specialty awards are presented annually to individuals for outstanding contributions to the aquatics community. The awards were presented along with the Paragon Awards on Friday evening.
This year’s ISHOF Specialty Award Recipients
Michael Loynd – 2022 Buck Dawson Author Award: The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man’s Fight to Capture Olympic Gold
Author Michael Loynd, Bruce Wigo
The Awards and Recognition Committee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame was pleased to award the 2022 Buck Dawson Author’s Award to Michael Loynd for his book, The Watermen: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man’s Fight to Capture Olympic Gold. This award is presented by ISHOF in the name of William “Buck” Dawson, ISHOF’s founding Executive Director, to an author of work that promotes and educates people about aquatics. Buck would have been thrilled with Michael’s book about Honoree, Charles Daniels.
Mike Loynd is chairman of the St. Louis Olympic Committee, a representative on the International Olympic Committee’s World Union of Olympic Cities, a member of the International Society of Olympic Historians, and a sports attorney and lecturer. He is the author of All Things Irish: A Novel, and now, The Waterman: The Birth of American Swimming and One Young Man’s Fight to Capture Olympic Gold, the story of ISHOF Honoree, Charlie Daniels. Loynd lives in St. Louis with his family.
Jordan Whitney-Wei — 2021 Buck Dawson Author Award: Katharine Whitney Curtis – Mother of Synchronized Swimming
2021 Buck Dawson Award Winner, Jordan Whitney Wei
The Awards and Recognition Committee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame happily awarded, one year late due to Covid, the 2021 Buck Dawson Author’s Award to Jordan Whitney-Wei for his book, Katharine Whitney Curtis – The Mother of Synchronized Swimming. This award is presented by ISHOF in the name of William “Buck” Dawson, ISHOF’s founding Executive Director, to an author of work that promotes and educates people about aquatics
Jordan Whitney-Wei is the great-grandnephew of Katharine Whitney Curtis. His book, Katharine Whitney Curtis – Mother of Synchronized Swimming was released on February 25, 2020. His previous writing and research focused on philosophy and poetry, but this time, it focuses on family, synchronized swimming, and his “Aunt Kate,” a woman ahead of her time. This is Whitney-Wei’s third book and his first award. Katharine “Kay” Curtis was the originator of synchronized swimming, as we know it today. She also wrote a book about it in 1936. Though there was much more to her life and career. Unbound by fear, or the narrow expectations of society, she was a woman who lived ahead of her time making things happen along the way. Curtis was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1979. The book will be available on Amazon for purchase.
About Buck Dawson: Dawson was a veteran of WWII who served as assistant and publicist for Generals Gavin and Ridgeway in the 82nd Airborne. From the time he was chosen to lead ISHOF in 1962, until his death in 2008, Buck traveled the world armed with Hall of Fame brochures, books, and bumper stickers. He was always spreading the word, and always willing to talk and teach swimming and swimming history to anyone who would listen. He wrote hundreds of articles and was the author of eight books, ranging in subjects from bathing beauties to war, but especially swimming.
Russell Weaver — 2022 International Swimming Hall of Fame Service Award
Staffers Laurie Marchwinski and Meg Keller-Marvin present Russell Weaver with ISHOF Service Award
The Staff of the International Swimming Hall of Fame was pleased to present Russell Weaver with the 2022 ISHOF Service Award. The ISHOF Service Award is given to an individual who has selflessly volunteered their time, energy, and/or resources to advance the interests and work of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Russell Weaver has easily given over 25 years of his time, connections, and resources to ISHOF. He is extensively involved with business networks throughout South Florida. When he attends these meetings and events, he always has in his mind, “Can this help ISHOF in any way?” As president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Sisters Cities International and co-chair of Tower Club Internationals, Weaver works closely together with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Broward County, and the City of Fort Lauderdale. He helps to promote Broward County’s business and cultural highlights to the Miami-based Consulates and binational chamber of commerce organizations. During these international monthly meetings, new business and government relationships are established, highlighting Fort Lauderdale and Broward County as world-class destinations. As always, Weaver remembers ISHOF and always gives us the opportunity to showcase our Honorees at some of these events and educate the international and local community and others, about what our museum has to offer.
James S. O’Connor — 2022 Judge G. Harold Martin Award
Judge G. Harold Martin Award Winner, James O’Connor, had a lot of support from family and friends
The Awards and Recognition Committee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame was pleased to honor James (Jim) O’Connor, as the 2022 Judge G. Harold Martin Award recipient. The G. Harold Martin Award is presented to someone for their long and exceptional leadership, insight, and dedication to the water safety of children and the cause of making “Every Child A Swimmer”.
Jim O’Connor has more than 40 years of experience as an aquatic professional and is committed to the prevention of aquatic accidents and teaching children to swim. O’Connor is the Aquatics Program Manager for Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Open Spaces Department, the third largest parks and recreation department in the United States and the largest municipal learn-to-swim provider in the state.
Mr. O’Connor has held numerous aquatic positions, served on the “Advisory Council” of the “National Drowning Prevention Alliance,” has been an adjunct professor at the University of Miami, Aquatics Coordinator for the American Red Cross Greater Miami and Keys Chapter, and was the Aquatic Director and Head Swim Coach at the University of Oregon.About G. Harold Martin: Back in 1908, G. Harold Martin almost drowned in the Ohio River. Over the next two decades, he almost drowned two more times. From these experiences evolved a mission to make “Every Child A Swimmer.” His civic involvement led to the building of Fort Lauderdale’s first municipal pool in 1927. Kiwanian sponsored free swim lessons at the pool, and eventually influenced the decision by ISHOF to be located in Fort Lauderdale. An active Kiwanian his entire adult life, he was instrumental in making the Key Club an integral club within Kiwanis International and the adoption of Every Child A Swimmer as a Kiwanian project.
Julia Meno — 2022 John K. Williams, Jr. Adapted Aquatics Award
Julia Meno, Bruce Wigo
The Adapted Aquatics Committee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame was pleased to award Julia Meno with the 2022 John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award. The annual award, honoring individuals or organizations who have made significant and substantial contributions to the field of adaptive aquatics, is presented by S.R. Smith, a world-leading manufacturer of commercial and residential swimming pool deck equipment headquartered in Canby, Oregon.
Julia Meno, CTRS, ATRIC, CMT, is the founder and owner of Therapeutic Aquatics, LLC. and is an internationally known presenter and instructor on aquatic therapy and wellness. Julia has a profound love and respect for the power of water as a healing instrument. Individuals can learn the freedom of movement that they may not have been able to achieve otherwise, thus opening up an aquatic world for opportunities to grow, socialize and exercise.
She founded Therapeutic Aquatics, Inc. in 1996 and began providing aquatic therapy services in Jackson, WY. Julia also worked closely with the Jackson school district’s Adaptive PE Program, L.I.F.E. grants, and Wyoming Medicaid Children’s Waiver which all provided a platform to create Pediatric AquaHab© for children with challenges. She also became a Certified Massage Therapist, which complimented her aquatic training. Thus far in her career, she has studied and authored An Introduction to the Bad Ragaz Ring Method: A Visual Instructional Guide (1999). Julia Co-authored: PNF in the Pool (2004), Myofascial Aquatic Body Work DVD (2006), the Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Certificate Course (2010) and the AquaStretch™ Specialty Certificate Manual 1st ed. (2013).
Julia has worked as a Dementia Care Coordinator and as an instructor for Motivations, Inc., providing continuing education teaching in Pediatric AquaHab©. She is currently a presenter and faculty for the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, Inc. She was the recipient of the ATRI Tsunami Spirit Award in 2002 and the Aquatic Therapy Professional Award in 2014 for her innovations and contributions in education to the aquatic therapy industry. Today she continues to provide individual and group aquatic therapy as well as wellness classes in addition to individual aquatic therapy sessions.
Wayne Goldsmith — 2022 Al Schoenfield Media Award
Al Schoenfield Media Award Winner, Wayne Goldsmith
The International Swimming Hall of Fame and its Award Committee were pleased to award Wayne Goldsmith, as the recipient of the 2022 Al Schoenfield Media Award for his many outstanding contributions to the promotion of aquatic sports through journalism. This award is presented by ISHOF in memory of Al Schoenfield. We were pleased to welcome Wayne and his partner Libby, to join us, all the way from Australia.
Wayne Goldsmith has been a thought-provoking leader and influencer in the swim industry for more than 25 years. As a regular contributor to Swimming World Magazine, his “Goldmind” articles discuss goal setting, visualization, and team building concepts. He has worked directly with many of the world’s leading coaches, athletes, teams, and sporting organizations in over 30 different countries. Wayne is a recognized global expert in coaching, coach education, and coach development for peak performance. His lessons in leadership, team development, change acceleration and continuous improvement provide swim coaches with quality, credible, engaging information via articles, videos, podcasts, seminars, clinics, and talks.
Al Schoenfield was the Editor and Publisher of Swimming World Magazine (1960-1977) and served on various international committees of swimming, including the FINA Technical Swimming Committee (1980-1984). Schoenfield’s life was a commitment to swimming and he participated in its administrative structure and spread its stories through his magazines and promotions. Al died in 2005, but his legacy will forever endure to all who have benefited from his lifetime of service to swimming.
Patricia Cirigliano — 2022 Virginia Hunt Newman International Award
Bruce Wigo, Robert Strauss, Steve Graves (Committee Chairman)
Patricia Cirigliano was selected this year, as the 2022 recipient of the Virginia Hunt Newman International Award. Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ms. Cirigliano was unable to attend the ceremony, so she asked, the 2019 Virginia Hunt Newman Award winner, Robert Strauss of Miami to accept the award in her place.
Dr. Patricia Cirigliano started the first Argentine swimming school for babies in 1960. The school was centered around her holistic method, Matronatacion®, which is a creative and original approach to aquatic initiation for babies that involves human integrity and respect for the child and the family. To present, 17,000 babies, toddlers and young children beginning at 15 days old have learned to swim and have enjoyed the Matronatacion® method at Cirigliano’s school, whose motto is “Swimming is learnt by playing.” They are at the very core of learning. The Method’s distinctive characteristics are freedom, game, active mother role, intelligent learning according to a child’s maturity development without conditioned response, and didactical use of toys and materials.
Dr. Cirigliano is a member of a great number of associations such as the International Physical Education Federation and Panathlon Club in Buenos Aires and the National Swimming Schools Association in the U.S.A. Since 1991, she has been an active member of the Argentine Pediatrics Association.
Duraflex International Award
The Duraflex International Award recognizes outstanding international contributions to the sport of diving. It has been given to international sports federations and individuals whose contribution to diving has made a real and lasting impact.
Thomas Gompf – 2022 Duraflex International Award
Tom Gompf, Steve McFarland, Mark Pyatt
In typical Tom Gompf fashion, he is making all of us laugh. Pictured above with decades-long friends, Steve McFarland and Mark Pyatt, both of Duraflex, this year, Tom was presented the 2022 Duraflex International Award. Tom has given his entire life to diving, whether as an athlete, through coaching, as a member of FINA and the TDC, fighting to get 1-meter and synchronized diving into the Olympic Games, Tom has always given his all for diving. And no one can imagine a diving world without him. Thank you Tom for all you have done, and all you continue to do for our sport. To read Tom Gompf’s honoree bio, click here: https://ishof.org/honoree/honoree-tom-gompf/
Steve Voellmecke – 2022 Duraflex International Award
Steve Voellmecke, Bonnie Read (Duraflex), Sam Dorman (Olympian)
Steve Voellmecke has been involved with the sport of diving for the past 35 years. He began as a diver, he is now a coach, a judge, and a volunteer. He dove for Xavier University, in Cincinnati and was captain of the team, his senior year.
He is a Life Member of USA Diving, a Trustee of the United States Diving Foundation, and a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), where he generously donates each year. He holds the position of Treasurer of The United States Professional Diving Coaches Association and is on the Executive Board for the ambitious Aquatic Training Center project. He was Team Leader for the USA for the 2000 FINA World Cup in Sydney and the 1996 Can-Am-Mex Junior Olympic International Meet in Winnipeg, Canada. At the 1996 U.S. National Diving Championships, he helped produce the memorable and highly successful event held at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as Co-Meet Director.
In 1998, Steve was presented with the prestigious “WHOSAM” Award given annually to the Diving Coach who “demonstrates a commitment to excellence and dedication to the highest physical, mental and spiritual ideals.” This award is presented by ISHOF Honor Diver, Dr. Sammy Lee M.D. – 1948 and 1952 Olympic Gold Medalist — and the person responsible for introducing “The Sammy” Sport Towel to the diving world!
A highly respected diving judge, Steve is FINA certified and was the only judge selected to judge both the 2008 AND 2012 United States Olympic Diving Trials. He has judged the NCAA Championships from 2007 – 2014, as well as multiple international diving competitions and Collegiate Conference Championships, including the Big 10, SEC, and PAC-12 championships. For the past 30 years, Steve has been a constant in the Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area serving as referee and judge at countless Summer League Diving Meets.
Voellmecke’s first love is teaching diving at the Grassroots Level, although he is proud to have coached divers at all levels. He has coached the summer diving team at The Indian Hill Club since 1985 and was instrumental in designing their spectacular new diving well, built-in 2008.
He is the President and owner of Springboards and More, which is the largest Dealer of Duraflex Diving Equipment in the United States and the Preferred Equipment Supplier to USA Diving.
He currently lives in Loveland, Ohio with twins Aidan and Simone.
2022 ISHOF Honoree Ceremony
Thank you for your support of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Below is an inspirational video that will provide a glimpse into our spiritual mission; there are three facets to the reason we exist:
INSPIRE: preserving the history of aquatics by inducing worthy aquatic heroes and Olympic champions into our Swimming Hall of Fame.INVIGORATE: record events and activities in our library related to the history of the human race’s relationship with water.INSTIGATE: our spiritual purpose is Every Child A Swimmer! We are actively pursuing this goal by providing swim lessons to those children from families that can’t afford swim lessons!
“The International Swimming Hall of Fame is only as strong as the engagement of its members, and we need your help to make this new era of the Hall of Fame a success.” If you are interested in joining us in supporting any phase of these three goals, please contact me personally.
Thank you, Dr. Bill Kent, Chair of the BoardInternational Swimming Hall of FameEmail: dbk@teamhorner.comwww.ishof.org
Highlights From the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Highlights From the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Throughout the International Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremony over the weekend, members of the Class of 2022 shared numerous stories during their enshrinement speeches. It was truly a celebratory event in Fort Lauderdale, the 57th of its kind. Here are a few highlights from this special evening.
Photo Courtesy: Jason Leidy
• The 1988 Olympic champion in the 100-meter backstroke, Japan’s Daichi Suzuki was known for his underwater prowess, and that theme was a big part of Suzuki’s induction. During his speech, Suzuki acknowledged rival David Berkoff – who revolutionized underwater kicking – for laying groundwork and motivating him to elevate his performances.
Adding to the underwater theme was the fact that Suzuki was presented with his Hall of Fame sash and award by Jesse Vassallo, the 1980 and 1984 United States Olympian. In the late 1970s, it was Vassallo who first introduced the benefits of underwater power, which play a critical role in the sport today.
Jon Seiben giving his induction speech
• At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, West Germany’s Michael Gross was the heavy favorite to claim gold in the 200 butterfly. Instead, Australian teenager Jon Sieben, on the strength of a phenomenal last lap, reeled in the field and registered one of the great upsets in the sport with a world-record performance of 1:57.04.
Because the trip from his homeland to Fort Lauderdale is lengthy, Sieben indicated there was an initial uncertainty as to whether he would attend the induction ceremony. But once he heard that fellow 200 butterfly star Craig Beardsley was being enshrined, too, the decision to make the long trip was a no-brainer.
Sieben elicited a number of laughs from the audience, especially when he spoke of downing several beers – in grand Aussie fashion – with anyone who wanted to join the post-induction gathering at the hotel bar.
Mary T. Meagher inducting Craig Beardsley
• Craig Beardsley undoubtedly had the biggest support family in attendance, as he was joined by a collection of his 1980 Olympic teammates and fellow University of Florida Gators. Due to the boycott of the 1980 Olympics by the United States, Beardsley never got the chance to race at the Games, and the two-time world-record setter made a plea for politics to never again short-circuit athletic dreams in similar fashion.
As Beardsley walked onto the stage to give his speech, he was met with a standing ovation from his friends. A longtime fundraiser for Swim Across America, Beardsley spoke about compassion and kindness changing the world, and how we all can make a difference. He then invited his 1980 Olympic teammates to the stage as he received his awards.
• Australian great Michael Klim had the chance to cherish his induction with his parents (Wojtek and Ewa) and girlfriend, Michelle Owen, by his side. Klim was recognized for an illustrious career that featured six Olympic medals and 54 overall medals from international competition. At the 1998 World Championships in Perth, Klim walked away with seven medals.
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Growing up, Klim moved around the world due to his father’s work. During his speech, the freestyle and butterfly star noted the importance of swimming in providing stability and consistency to his life. Although he may have had an adjustment period with each move, the pool acted as a security blanket for Klim, who could immediately connect with the water.
Several months ago, Klim revealed he is battling Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a neurological disorder that progressively weakens function of the arms and legs. The Aussie first experienced symptoms, including numbness in his feet, a few years ago. In the face of his medical condition, Klim looked great at the ceremony and even logged some laps at the Hall of Fame Aquatics Center prior to the evening festivities.
• Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, who secured Olympic gold in the 10-meter platform event at the 2008 Games in Beijing, took a moment to pay tribute to his idol, Greg Louganis. Mitcham noted that Louganis was first an idol based on his diving excellence, but soon became one of his heroes in life. It was fitting, then, that Louganis presented Mitcham with his honors.
Honor Contributor Carol Zaleski
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame as an Honor Contributor for her years of service as an official with USA Swimming and FINA, Carol Zaleski shared a story of getting involved in the sport. When her kids were competing, she recalled seeing other parents on deck as timers, and thought it was a great way to get closer to the action and give back. Years later, Zaleski’s time in the sport is defined by giving back – on the national and international levels.
• With the induction of Australian coach Ursula Carlile, she joined her husband, Forbes Carlile, as Hall of Fame honorees. The Carliles are the first husband-wife coaching combination to be inducted into the Hall, recognition that was earned for years of guiding premier Aussie swimmers, including Shane Gould, and operating the Carlile Swim School. Carlile could not attend the ceremony, but she recorded an acceptance video which was played for audience.
Perica Bukic, Mirko Vicevic, Ratko Rudic and Jon Sieben
• Water polo star Mirko Vicevic, who represented Yugoslavia and Montenegro on the international stage, was the first honoree of the evening and had the chance to enjoy the night with some of his coaches and former teammates. Vicevic was a gold medalist in Olympic and World Championships competition and expressed appreciation for the individuals who enabled him to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
Ruth Ramsier, Peter Hurzeler, and Begonia Goce of Omega
• Feted as an Honor Contributor, Peter Hurzeler of Swiss Timing has had a major impact on the sport in regards timing, starting-block technology and backstroke ledges. During his speech, Hurzeler emphasized the importance of listening to athletes and their suggestions to make the sport better.
Photo Gallery: International Swimming Hall of Fame Weekend A Festive Affair (Part I)
It has been a celebratory weekend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the Class of 2022 will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Late Saturday morning, members of the United States 1980 Olympic Team gathered at the new ISHOF Aquatics Center, with several athletes hopping in the pool. The atmosphere was a festive one, serving as a precursor to the evening enshrinement ceremony.
Those present at the pool had the opportunity to climb to the top of the 27-meter diving tower, which is a trademark of the new facility. Additionally, Australian honorees Jon Sieben and Michael Klim got in the water and had the chance to chat before being recognized at night.
Also on hand was Elizabeth Beisel, the multi-time Olympic medalist who has become a leading voice in the sport as a commentator and analyst.
Here are several images from Hall of Fame weekend, with more to come.
Elizabeth Beisel. Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Daichi Suzuki. Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Craig Beardsley and Daichi Suzuki. Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Nancy Hogshead-Makar and Glenn Mills. Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Mary T. Meagher. Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Jon Sieben and Craig Beardsley. Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
The Stars Came Out: What A Night At the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The Stars Came Out: International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony A Gala Event
To the left. To the right. In front and behind.
Anywhere the head turned.
A look around the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa on Saturday night was to cast eyes on greatness. The evening was a party, the induction night for the Class of 2022 into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It was perfect that five-time Olympian Dara Torres, a Hall of Famer herself, served as the emcee.
Baseball and football annually have their days in Cooperstown and Canton. Aquatic sports, specifically swimming, turns to Fort Lauderdale for its celebration. It has been that way for years, ISHOF long established as the treasure chest of excellence for swimmers, divers, and polo players. Fort Lauderdale is where history – old and more recent – is appreciated, and that fact was on display during this festive weekend.
As is always the case, the newest honorees into the Hall of Fame came from around the globe. The United States. Japan. Australia. Various locales across Europe. It was truly a global event, which is to be expected. Yes, certain nations have enjoyed greater success than others through the years, which is the norm in all international sports. But one of the things that makes a Hall of Fame special is the way it pays tribute to elite contributions from a widespread community.
Hall of Fame inductions are long, and this night was no different. It took more than three hours to move through the program, in which each inductee was recognized via a short video on their career. The honorees then had a chance to speak and were provided with their Hall of Fame sash and award. If the night carried on for an additional three hours, I doubt if anyone in the room would have cared. Rather, it would have provided further opportunity to applaud – literally and figuratively.
Applause. It was the prevailing trait of the night – constant acknowledgement of what the men and women entering the Hall had achieved. There, too, were small cheers. There were a few loud outbursts. There was a standing ovation. There was much laughter, and even a few tears. The emotion of the night was gripping. Years of hard work and dedication are what landed the honorees in Fort Lauderdale to begin with, so emotion should be a fixture of the night.
During their careers, those inducted triumphed in a way that is known by a miniscule percentage of folks who ever take up an aquatic sport. The best of the best? No. The best of the best of the best of the best…and we could go on.
It was magical to watch Craig Beardsley receive his due more than 40 years after politics robbed him of the chance to chase gold in the 200-meter butterfly at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. Beardsley probably had the biggest cheering section of the night, with dozens of his friends and former teammates in attendance – and who were invited by Beardsley to join him on stage at the conclusion of his speech. Many of the supporters were surprise guests to Beardsley, and many also experienced the pain of being denied an Olympic opportunity by no fault of their own.
In Daichi Suzuki, it was a chance to doff the cap to a Japanese star who won gold in the 100 backstroke at the 1988 Olympics and played a critical role in revolutionizing the sport. Suzuki was one of several athletes who drove home the importance of the underwater dolphin kick, an innovation that remains as prominent as ever.
Aussies Jon Sieben and Michael Klim received well-deserved credit for special careers that included Sieben producing one of the greatest upsets in history and Klim leading off the 400 freestyle relay that won gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, a moment that lives in Aussie sporting lore.
The aforementioned athletes and their accomplishments account for just a portion of what was celebrated on Saturday night. The bottom line is that it was a special evening, exactly what is needed in sports. It’s why Halls of Fame exist, and it was a shining example of what the International Swimming Hall of Fame means to aquatic sports.
Next year can’t come soon enough.
As Emcee, Dara Torres Shares Sensational Stories At Hall of Fame Induction; Wonderful Messages Relayed
As Emcee, Dara Torres Shares Sensational Stories At Hall of Fame Induction; Wonderful Messages Relayed
The way she commanded the room, behind her charisma and easy-going way, reflected the way she operated during an illustrious career. During her competitive days, Dara Torres established herself as one of the greatest performers in history, a 12-time Olympic medalist who proved anything is possible when she raced to three silver medals as a 41-year-old at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
On Saturday night, Torres served as emcee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame induction, the 57th of its kind. It was an evening to celebrate many of the greats in the sport, and Torres was captivating as always. She made the crowd laugh, but she was poignant, too. Really, she was the perfect host.
When Torres took the stage, she proceeded to regale the audience with several stories of her competitive days. More than anything else, she focused on the latter stages of her career, specifically the comeback that led her to Beijing and a fifth Olympiad. She joked about being the “grandma” of the team, and rooming with teens Elizabeth Beisel and Allison Schmitt.
She shared a story about sitting in the hallway of her hotel, balled up against the wall, at the United States Olympic Trials. With so much attention placed on Torres for pulling off an unlikely comeback, she spoke of the pressure of succeeding for fellow middle-aged women. She noted that Hall of Fame coach Mark Schubert came by during that moment, and it was a brief conversation with Schubert which reminded Torres of her love of the sport.
Torres also discussed the final of the 50-meter freestyle in Beijing, a race in which she finished .01 behind Germany’s Britta Steffen – 24.06 to 24.07. She kidded about congratulating her competitors but uttering some “select” words underwater at the realization that she fell the smallest margin possible of securing a gold medal.
At the end of her opening speech, though, Torres delivered a beautiful commentary on the sport and what it meant to her. It was a message that can be applied to multiple facets of life.
“I asked for the best of myself that night and second place is what it was,” Torres said of her silver-medal showing in the 50 freestyle. “Olympians are always asked what their favorite moment was. Which medal? For me, after five Olympics, it was the path I followed. The hard work. The dedication. The time management I learned. It was about doing what I could to be the best I could be.”
ISHOF Induction Ceremony Silent Auction: Take A Look!
SILENT AUCTION
Support the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s online silent auction. Members and friends can find great bargains for some wonderful items. You can start bidding online NOW by clicking Here!
Photo Courtesy: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Item 304: Visit where the Dolphin Tale began – Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Starting Bid $500 Value
Take the family to where the story of Dolphin Tale began – the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Visit Winter’s friends and learn all about her story – see her real prosthetic tail and more! You will receive 4 tickets to this educational and exciting marine rescue facilities that has rescued hundreds of marine animals in it’s 50 year history.
Photo Courtesy: SwimOutlet
Item 408: SwimOutlet $100 Gift Card
Starting Bid $50 (Value $100)
Go shopping and treat yourself with a $100 gift card to SwimOutlet. SwimOutlet is the largest online specialty shop for swimming, fashion, beach, and surf products in the U.S. For over 17 years, we have focused on delivering the best online shopping experience and the best value. Our success and very existence are dependent on the repeat orders and word of mouth recommendations of loyal, satisfied customers.
Photo Courtesy: Florida Panthers
Item 406: Florida Panthers Home Game
Starting Bid $40
Cheer on the Florida Panthers with 2 lower level end zone tickets at any 1 regular season home game during the 2022 – 2023 season.
Show your support for the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena! The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area.
Photo Courtesy: Winterfest, Inc.
Item 318: 2 tickets to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Grand Marshal Reception
Starting Bid $500
Click Here To Start The Bidding
Party like a VIP at the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Grand Marshal Reception on Friday, December 9th, 2022. Enjoy 2 tickets to this exclusive, by invitation only, VIP event to welcome the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Grand Marshal(s) to South Florida. Tickets include delicious bites, open bar, and fun! Guests must be 21+.
Photo Courtesy: Chick-Fil-A Fort Lauderdale
Item 211: Chick-Fil-A Gift Basket
Starting Bid $35
Click Here To Start The Bidding
Satisfy all of your Chick-Fil-A cravings with this gift basket! Enjoy five “Be Our Guest” gift cards, each good for either an original chicken sandwich meal or 8 ct chicken nugget meal, including a medium waffle fry and medium beverage (exp. 12/31/22, valid only at Chick-Fil-A Fort Lauderdale). Show your Chick-Fil-A pride by sporting & showcasing your Chick-Fil-A swag: 2 adult t-shirts & 2 plush cows.