Program manager Matthew Urdan looks forward to strong participation this year. “Based on the enthusiastic participation, endorsement from the International Canoe and Rafting Federations, and the great feedback from 2009, we look forward to hearing from paddlers around the world to nominate their whitewater champions through one of the affiliate organizations listed at www.iwhof.org,” he says.
Nominations will be accepted through April 30, at which time a panel of screeners will review the submissions. The IWHoF electorate, comprised of whitewater experts from around the world will vote on the inductees. “Inductees aren’t honored randomly, but because someone nominated them,” says Risa Shimoda, IWHOF Board of Governors Chair. “We’re encouraging paddlers to put forward their favorite whitewater icon by utilizing this nomination procedure.”
Urdan adds that no further action is necessary on the part of the nominating individual or organization other than filling out the nomination form. But he adds that people should update their nominations each year for the life of the nomination. “Nominating individuals and organizations are asked to include as much published information with submissions as is possible,” he says. “This can include documents, articles, photographs, news clippings, DVDs, video footage, Websites, story links, blogs and more – basically any information that’s helpful in evaluating a nominee. Should the nominee be elected, this information will also be used in the production of the annual DVD highlighting the honoree’s achievements.”
During the nomination period, IWHoF will also be auctioning off a Jackson Kayak All Star signed by IWHOF Inductee Eric Jackson. Those interested are asked to send bids (starting at $600) to rshimoda@iwhof.org.
The 2010 IWHoF nomination forms, instructions, election procedure and timeline are now available on the IWHOF website Nominations Page. IWHoF encourages all honorees, electorate members and other interested parties to join the IWHoF Faceboook Page to start discussions, upload photos and video, receive IWHoF-related news and interact with others in the whitewater community. Send questions about nominations to Matt Urdan, IWHoF Project Manager at msurdan@iwhof.org or Risa Shimoda 301-502-6548 rshimoda@iwhof.org.