John Long receives the GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award 2021 at the Greek Lifesaving Cup
Glyfada, Greece 26.09.2021. The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association proudly presents the GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award to John Long.
The presentation took place at the illustrious opening ceremony of the Greek Lifesaving Cup 2021. The event was attended by about 250 athletes and guests of 5 nations (Greece, Cyprus, UK, USA and Haiti). It was a historical event because it coincided with the national celebration of 200 years of Greek Independence.
John Long, Knight in the Order of Lifesaving of the International Life Saving Federation and Vice President of the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth, who was inducted earlier this year as GLSA Honorary Member (more), this time he was honored for his lifetime achievements with the highest personal honor of the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association.
The GLSA President Dr. Stathis Avramidis said: “We are proud to present our highest honor to a tireless servant of lifesaving. John has been a friend for 2o years. His contributions to drowning prevention are outstanding. He was warmly accepted by everyone in Greece. We honored him for the numerous contributions he has made to the world and the help he has provided to Greece through his various administration positions.”
The GLSA Vice President, Eleftheria Avramidou, added: “John has been a dear friend not only to us but to everyone who has lifesaving in their heart. We were pleased to celebrate together and recognize him at this historic bicentennial year.”
John Long commented: “I have got numerous awards my life. This one is very special. I am delighted to receive it and to be here.”
During the championship, Mr. Long had the opportunity to meet and be congratulated by several representatives of organizations and to present medals to the winners of the championships.
 |
L-R: Dr. Stathis Avramidis (GLSA President), Dr. Vicky Bafataki (Secretary General of the International Giuseppe Sciacca Awards), Dr. Evenel Mervelous (President Haitian Lifesaving and Aquatic Rescue Federation), Mr. John Long (Vice President of the RLSS Commonwealth). |
The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association was founded in 2020 in loving memory of 3 relatives that lost their lives at sea with the aim to bridge public health with sports for injury prevention. It is the only licensed organization in Greece to conduct lifesaving sport as sports recreational/sports tourist activity by the General Secretariat of Sports – Hellenic Ministry of Sports. It achieves its aims by water safety teaching, publications, lifesaving sport championships and alliances with national and international organizations. More about the event can be found here.
