John Edwards wins the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award
JOHN EDWARDS (Canada) - Winner of the 2016 'Lifetime Achievement' award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises incredible contribution to the sporting world of paddlesports. As the man responsible for the inclusion of Paracanoe into the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games, the WPA is proud to award John Edwards' with this award for his extraordinary contribution.
By right of winning, John automatically earns himself a seat on the World Paddle Awards Academy. A position he has excitedly accepted.
"I have so many people to thank; my committee members, my family, CanoeKayak Canada, the ICF Board and President, Simon Toulson & ICF Staff, the IVF and all the National Federations. In short, all the people who when confronted with the Paracanoe idea chose “Yes” instead of “Maybe”; who chose “Yes” instead of “No” all made a contribution to Paracanoe’s success. I thank them! "
Beginning his paddlesports career as an 11 year old at the Carleton Place Canoe Club in Canada, John has become an integral member of Canoe Kayak Canada and the International Canoe Federation, helping to lead the sport in a surge of growth across several disciplines over the last 20 years. In his latest role as Chair of the ICF’s Paracanoe Committee, John is committed to seeing this new addition to the sport continue it's development.
"I have been elected by the ICF members for another four years which will take me just past Tokyo. I want to ensure continued growth and success of Paracanoe leading up to Tokyo. In addition, I hope my enthusiasm and positive outlook for all canoeing can infect all areas of the ICF. As one of us grows and succeeds, all of us grow and succeed."
And no doubt it will. Under his guidance the debut of Paracanoeing at the Paralympic Games saw 60 athletes from 26 countries race across 6 events, with the inclusion labeled a complete success.
"Canoeing is one of the great universal activities which is practiced by virtually all the peoples of the world. Paracanoeing has no limits. Our sports’ leadership in this area will filter down throughout our entire system to make Canoeing accessible to all people regardless of their impairment. In three or four Paralympic games, I see Paracanoeing becoming one of the more popular sports."
Under John's leadership, there is no doubt the discipline of Paracanoe and as a result paddlesports as a whole will continue to set and reach new goals for years to come.
The World Paddle Awards congratulates John on this award and the inclusion into the WPA Academy.
Read John's full profile here.