AWARDS
KARL DONOGHUE
Ted Simpson Achievement Award, 2024
Karl has been swimming competitively for over 50 years, inspiring a little friendly competition with his swimming friends across the province who nominated him for this award. Originally from Kenya, he swam at the inaugural African Games, Brazzaville, Congo in 1965 (French Congo, not the Belgian Congo).
In BC, Karl swims most often as a Dogwood swimmer, but has also swam with the Okanagan Masters, KISU, and Penticton Masters. Although he trains primarily on his own, it is not unusual for a few friends to jump in and join him in his workout.
Karl’s favorite strokes are the freestyle and backstroke where he excels at all lengths—a quick look at his records over the years indicates that Karl is especially dominate in the long distance free, but equally successful in the 50, 100, and 200 back.
Karl has set 114 Canadian Records in freestyle and backstroke events and continues to hold 17 as of today. Karl is the highest ranking male Masters swimmer from BC in terms of national records set and held. He also holds 34 BC records and most recently won five of his races at last year’s Nationals.
The Ted Simpson Achievement Award goes to the registered MSABC Masters Swimmer who has achieved distinguished results in the current year‘s swim season. Results from Worlds, Nationals, Provincials, and local meets, improvement in personal best times, and overcoming challenges such as injury, illness, and disability will be considered for this award.
This award is presented in memory of Ted Simpson. Ted was a valued coach of the Vancouver Y Torpedoes from 1960 – 67. Ted continued his coaching and, in later years, coached Masters swimmers. Ted was valued as a coach who made swimming fun and made swimmers feel good about themselves. Ted was interested in all who came under his tutelage. As Ted valued achievement in all forms, this award is a fitting memorial to Ted and how he lived his life. The recipient will have their name engraved on the Ted Simpson trophy and will receive a framed MSABC limited edition print.
KARLENE CLAPHAM
Stan Powell Memorial Service Award, 2024
Karlene has contributed to the swimming community across British Columbia for many years as a swimmer, coach, and meet manager.
Have you been to the early season meet in Nanaimo? The meet features fun and fast sprints (as well as 50s, 100s and 200s), but the highlight for many is the famous post-meet chili cook-off and welcoming spirit of the Ebbtides team. Karlene has served as the meet manager for this extremely well—run meet since 2017. Karlene never fails to greet visiting swimmers with a big smile and goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcome—even helping to orchestrate getting mainland teams to the pool from the ferry terminal.
Karlene has also coached a number of teams in BC and is especially encouraging to young swimmers as a youth coach (future masters swimmers!). She is also very generous with her time with masters teams. She graciously shares her knowledge and experience with other BC masters teams to ensure their success.
As a swimmer, Karlene competed at Nationals for the first time since she was a youth last year and looks forward to this year and perhaps Worlds in the future.
The Stan Powell Memorial Servicce Award goes to the person who has contributed to the betterment of Masters Swimming in British Columbia and/or service to Masters Swimming (e.g., past service on the MSABC Board, club official, club or event organizer, meet volunteer and/or coach).
This award is in memory of Stan Powell, who died in November 1999. Stan played most sports throughout his lifetime and coached many at the secondary school level for more than thirty years. Nearest and dearest to his heart was swimming, and so it was upon Stan’s death his family requested donations to establish a suitable memorial, which is a large oak perpetual shield, with a similar smaller plaque given to the recipient.
It was Stan’s belief one should give something back to the community for the enjoyment received by participating in sports. With this in mind, Stan was personally involved with swimming, water polo, basketball, and baseball. Stan gave so freely of his time by volunteering for sports. Stan embodied Masters swimming as a lifestyle; the Stan Powell Memorial Service Award is a fitting tribute to his memory.
Aart Looye
Builder's Award, 2024
Aart is a familiar face around MSABC having served two terms as President and implemented many important initiatives that continue to guide our organization today.
Throughout his life, Aart has been a leader in swimming across Canada including meet manager for local and national swim meets and triathlons, serving as president of the BC Senior Games Society, and teaching swimming and cycle-fit at the local Y.
After Aart suffered a stroke in 2015, he found his way back to the pool implementing his own version of backstroke using just one arm. Recently, he was on hand at the 2024 Provincials at Grandview Heights providing expert advice, peppered with his unique brand of opinion, commentary, and insight.
A new category of recognition, the Builder’s Award is presented to a member of the organization or volunteer who has contributed to the betterment of masters swimming in British Columbia. Recipients will be individuals who have assisted the organization for many years and across different areas of support. This award will be at the discretion of the MSABC Board of Directors and may not be awarded every year.