Our very own John Stainer of Crawley Town Lifesaving Club has been selected as a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award by Sports Officials UK. As one of the most prestigious awards presented, nominations were open to all sports within the UK. John’s achievement is a marker of his commitment.

John has been involved in Lifesaving for more than 40 years and throughout that time he has worked with many, many lifesaving sportspeople, young and old, to help them achieve their goals.

When John helped to set up the Horsham Lifesaving Club in 1982 he could hardly have imagined he would still be involved and competing four decades later.

In addition to his own competing and coaching (GB National team coach 1994 to 2011) he has spent the last 19 years as an international official, travelling the world and achieving the sport’s highest officiating grade. It is this dedication which saw him become the first British individual to be awarded the Gold Medal for Lifesaving, the highest accolade in the sport.

Over the years John has officiated at more than 30 National Championships, countless regional and club competitions and now sits on the College of Referees, the guiding mind of Lifesaving Sport’s refereeing and officiating. As part of his role, John helps to oversee the rules of various competitions and the future development of the officiating pathway.

His latest officiating role was at this year’s world championship out in France, where he completed his roles despite being injured in the masters event held earlier in the week!

“Personally I find John’s enthusiasm and endless energy to be truly inspirational, he keeps going no matter what. Most of all, he does what he does for the benefit of others.”

“I would like to congratulate John on this outstanding achievement.”

Elouise Greenwood National Sports Development Officer