The Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation has announced the winners of its fourth annual Aquatic Capital Awards. This year’s honorees include some of Long Beach’s most noteworthy contributors to business and tourism, clean water and conservation, and the city’s Olympic Gold Medal count.
This year’s honorees are:
- Misty May-Treanor, beach volleyball, and Lauren Wenger, water polo – 2012 Athletes of the Year
- Dr. Jerry Schubel, President and CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific – 2012 Citizen of the Year
- Dave Salo, USC, Trojan Swim Club and USA Olympic Women’s Swim Teams – 2012 Coach of the Year
- Port of Long Beach – 2012 Organization of the Year
Achievement awards will be presented to U.S. Sailing Center Long Beach executive director Mike Segerblom, U.S. Paralympian Ron Harvey (rowing), two-time AAU champion Brandon Loschiavo (diving), and CLSA Junior Lifeguard of the year Hannah Levy. Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Jessica Hardy, a two-time Athlete of the Year recipient, will be honored with a special achievement award.
The Aquatic Capital Award winners will be feted at a dinner and special reception on January 22, 2013, at Keesal, Young & Logan.
May-Treanor, a Long Beach resident and Long Beach State alumnus, is the most successful female beach volleyball player of all-time, and successfully defended her Olympic gold medal in London this summer. Wenger, a Wilson High School graduate, earned a gold medal in London as a member of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Water Polo team.
Schubel, the 2012 Citizen of the Year, has redefined the role of the modern aquarium. He has taken the lead in using arts and technology to make ocean science engaging and relevant to the public. In addition, Schubel has convened and facilitated key leaders, scientists, and stakeholders to discuss pressing and sometimes contentious issues, ranging from urban ocean planning and water use to extreme weather preparedness and sea level rise.
Salo, an alumnus of Long Beach State, is in his seventh season as the head men's and women's swimming coach at USC. Members of his successful post-grad Trojan Swim Club include Hardy, Rebecca Soni and other 2012 Olympic medal winners. At the 2012 London Games, Salo was an assistant coach on the USA Women’s Swim Team that won eight gold medals and 13 medals overall.
The Port of Long Beach was selected for its outstanding contributions to the community through its educational outreach programs, and its support of the restoration of the Colorado Lagoon. A major economic force, the Port supports more than 30,000 jobs in Long Beach, 316,000 jobs throughout Southern California and 1.4 million jobs throughout the United States. Trade valued annually at more than $140 billion moves through Long Beach, making it the second-busiest seaport in the United States.
“This year’s honorees were selected for their positive efforts that helped to further promote Long Beach as the aquatic capital of America,” said Tom Shadden, president, Aquatic Capital of America Foundation. “The awards ceremony honors them for their hard work and achievements, as well as raises awareness and support for our Foundation’s work here in the city. The Aquatic Capital of America Foundation works to provide scholarships and underwrite local programs that promote water safety and clean water projects, to staff and support local aquatics events and initiatives, and to advocate for the refurbishment of local facilities and access to water-related activities.”
The Aquatic Capital of America Foundation was established to communicate and promote Long Beach as an aquatic destination for business, education and sports on a local, national and international basis. Previous winners of the Aquatic Athlete of the Year were swimmer Hardy in 2009 and 2011, and USA Water Polo Women's National Team member Lauren (Lolo) Silver in 2010. The previous Citizen of the Year winner was Long Beach city manager Pat West in 2011.
For additional information, please visit the Aquatic Capital website at http://aquaticcapital.org.
About The Long Beach Aquatic Capital of America Foundation
The Aquatic Capital of America Foundation’s strategic initiatives are to support aquatic events, clean water and water conservation efforts; and lead fundraising efforts to support youth aquatics and water safety, refurbish and improve local facilities, improve access to pool- and water-related activities, and provide scholarships. The organization’s membership includes boaters, rowers and kayakers, swimmers, divers and water poloists, marine enthusiasts, and business professionals who commit thousands of hours annually organizing and promoting aquatic sports and events in Long Beach.
