Cliff Lumsdon Award of SSO

The Cliff Lumsdon Award of Solo Swims of Ontario was instituted in 1993 in memory of Cliff Lumsdon who was one of Canada's most outstanding marathon swimmers and contributed so much to the success of the swims of others. The award ceremony is managed by Swim Ontario and submissions need to meet their deadlines.

The funds to establish the plaque and support it for its first 17 years were donated in 1992 by Jack Ramsden - a founder of SSO and a Swim Master, Jack was a friend of Cliff and was closely involved with many of Cliff's swims.

This annual award is made in recognition of an outstanding achievement in association with Solo Swims of Ontario Inc.

PURPOSE

To recognize the most outstanding and/or exceptional achievements in, or contributions to, solo marathon swimming in Ontario and to provide a vehicle for public recognition by the peers of those so honoured.
To honour the memory of the late Cliff Lumsdon, a world class swimmer and coach who contributed greatly to the sport of swimming and, in particular, to the promotion and development of marathon swimming.

FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR THE AWARD

A successful crossing of a major lake in, or bordering on the province of Ontario. This definition may include Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay, but does not include lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water in other provinces or countries.
The citation must involve a singular accomplishment of great noteworthiness, something unique which can distinguish the individual from all others. As a minimum, it should also be special in some sense, for example:

A record distance or time for a distance on a recognized course.
Oldest or youngest swimmer for a particular crossing.
Multiple swims in the same year.
Multiple continuous crossings.
Disabled swimmer.
A unique stroke.
Successful major crossing under unusual or challenging conditions.

A contributor to marathon swimming solo swimming in Ontario who made a singularly significant impact on the development/organization of this sport - albeit in a non-swimming activity.
A few recipients meet a majority these criteria and truly achieve the ideals set by Cliff Lumsdon.

RECIPIENTS OF THE AWARD

Year	Individual(s)
1993	Cliff Lumsdon, Marilyn Bell, Gus Ryder
1994	Carlos Costa
1995	John Scott
1996	Bob Weir
1997	Colleen Shields
1998	Joan Lumsdon, Jack Ramsden, Ted Roach
1999	Cindy Nicholas
2000	Vicki Keith
2001	No Recipient
2002	James Salter
2003	Marilyn Korzekwa
2004	Bryan Finlay
2005	Kim Middleton
2006	No Recipient
2007	No Recipient
2008	John Potocska
2009	Brian Keith & Neville Lewis
2010	Paula Stephanson
2011	Greg Taylor

Cliff Lumsdon | Cliff Lumsdon Park and Plaque
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Created: 20^th September 2000
Last Updated: 3^rd February 2012