First Inductees announced for the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame

The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has announced the first Inductees into its Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame – revealed at the inaugural Australian Swim Schools Awards Dinner on the Gold Coast.

The initial inductions, at the Tier 2 level, included the following the categories and recipients:

• Pioneer – ‘trail-blazers’, laying the foundation for the industry: Bernie Shapland
• Science - people whose research has made a highly significant landmark in the industry: Professor Robyn Jorgensen
• Humanitarian - exemplary humanitarian services, generally over an extended period of time: Paul Sadler Swimland
• Outstanding Contribution - outstanding contributions of international standard, generally over a long period of time: Julie Zancanaro.

Each inductee was presented with a ‘Steedman’ award, named in honour of Charles Steedman, the author of the world’s first book on swimming.

Steedman was a passionate advocate for learning to swim and published his groundbreaking work in Melbourne in the late 19th century.

The top tier in the Australian Swim Schools Hall of Fame is known as the Legends, and are awarded to true ‘legends’ have made exceptional contributions.

The first inductees were Forbes and Ursula Carlile, and Laurie Lawrence.

The Legends received a ‘Forbes’ - in memory of the remarkable Forbes Carlile.

Libby Trickett, John Konrads and Laurie Lawrence, joined ASSA President David Urquhart in making the presentations.

Commenting on the event, ASSA Chief Executive Ross Gage stated “the event was a resounding success, attended by over 120 swim schools and supporters.”

Images: Laurie Lawrence's 'Forbes' award (top) and Julie Zancanaro with her 'Steedman' award (below).

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