Happy Birthday to the "father" of world lifesaving Dr. Vervaecke
The participants of
the International Experts Symposium on Lifesaving as Olympic Sport, sung “happy
birthday” to Dr. Harald Vervaecke in a touching celebration full of surprises.
The GLSA President Dr. Stathis Avramidis surprised pleasantly the legendary ILS Secretary General Dr. Harald Vervaecke. First, the cake arrived and everyone sung “happy birthday”. Second, the candles had a great symbolism. They didn’t represent Harald’s age but the year that we expect that lifesaving may enter the Olympic Games in Brisbane; 2032. Lastly, Stathis presented to Harald a large frame with his portrait to commemorate this unique occasion. Harald would have celebrated this special day with his wife and children. But we wanted to celebrate with him too, as our way of thanking him for is tremendous sacrifices and contributions to our field. So we asked our talented GLSA illustrator, Nikos Kouremenos, who is probably the most prolific water safety illustrator in the world, to draw Harald’s portrait. Harald was touched. The entire event was juiful for all attendees (Prof. Joost Bierens, Dr. Chris Giannou, Dr. Evenel Mervilus, Dr. Anestis Vasiliou, Yioula Georganta, Rabea Iatridou, Prof. Arturo Abraldes, Dr. Stathis Avramidis, Julia Dunitz, Lucas Bistarakis).
For the records, the insrciption of the frame wrote: The Belgian legend, Dr. Harald Vervaecke, merged FIS and WLS, giving birth to the International Life Saving Federation. He inspired thousands of followers that save lives from drowning through lifesaving sport, research and education. He is a renown dot connector, and a role model of altruism, expertise, work ethic, humor and innovation. His input is evident for half a century 24/7/365 like a sleepless flying eagle. If he did not exist, we would need to invent him. He dreams that one day, lifesaving will become an Olympic sport. History won’t forget you Harald! Happy birthday from all of us at the International Experts Symposium of Lifesaving as an Olympic Sport!
