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 Deadline for submission of nominations to SSO is June 15 and is for swims and/or activities that were accomplished by the end of the PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR.

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 award is made in recognition of an outstanding achievement(s) 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.
• Outstanding recipients meet a number of these criteria and truly achieve the ideals set by Cliff Lumsdon.

SUBMISSIONS

• Submissions should include the following factors:

• Full name, age, birthdate, gender, (parent or guardians' names if applicable.
• Names of club, coach Swim Master(s), swim manager(s).
• Date of swim(s), distance covered, name of lake(s), starting and finishing points, time, stroke used, details of any pacers.
• Weather or relevant conditions of the swim.
• The names and contact details for any witnesses of the swim.
• Organization (if any) who sponsored/funded the swim.
• Any beneficiary organization for whom money was raised.
• A copy of the Swim Master's Report(s) if available.
• The reason why the swim is considered outstanding in some way or meritorious (See Factors above).
• Any other information deemed relevant to the nomination.

• Do not send videos, news articles (etc) with the submission. If the individual(s) is(are) selected, then they may be requested for the Awards Presentation.
• Submissions should be submitted by e-mail to the Cliff Lumsdon Awards Coordinator.

RECIPIENTS OF THE AWARD

Cliff Lumsdon | Cliff Lumsdon Park and Plaque
Contact WebMaster

Created: 20^th September 2000
Last Updated: 13^th May 2013