Local athlete Clive Morgan has been selected as a finalist for the PRESTIGE Volunteer of the Year by Sport Tourism Canada, recognizing his long-term commitment to Kingston’s sport community.
Growing up as a competitive swimmer and runner, Morgan was always passionate about competing in athletics, according to a release from Tourism Kingston. In 1984, he signed up for his first triathlon in Kingston, and 40 years later, he still competes.
“His participation in sport combined with his children’s involvement in swimming, running, and triathlons translated into volunteering as a race director and organizer for many sporting events in the Kingston community,” the local tourism organization stated.
Morgan became the Loyalist Kids of Steel Triathlon organizer and race director in 2000, running the event for 10 years. He then worked with Steve Boyd, his running coach at Physi-Kult, to bring university-level cross-country races for Queen’s University to Fort Henry. According to the release, that effort generated in years of hosting Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario events in Kingston, bringing in thousands of visitors to Kingston.
Morgan’s collaborations with Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario resulted in Kingston hosting prestigious events, such as the Athletics Canada Cross Country Nationals (2015 to 2018) and the Athletics Ontario Provincials in 2021 and 2022. These events attracted athletes from all corners of Canada, including Olympians , National and US sports athletes, and masters athletes ranging in age from 40 to 80, Tourism Kingston noted.
Because of these events, Kingston has emerged as a premier competitive cross-country destination, according to the release. Morgan explained that the course was highly coveted: “Our selling point for the Fort Henry course, first off, was the quality of the course,” he said. “The course is a big open field. It is a true cross-country event run entirely on grass. There are many events where you must cross roads or go on gravel trails. And this course is rolling, with some hills. You are looking out over the fort to see the lake, Royal Military College, and downtown Kingston.”
With over 30 years of leadership in organizing sporting events, Morgan has left an indelible mark on triathlons and cross-country in Kingston. “The bottom line is, I am not going to be happy by doing something that’s not as good as it possibly can be,” he said. “If you put on good-quality events, people will get involved and try out different sports.”
The presentation of the PRESTIGE Awards will take place during the Sport Events Congress in Richmond, BC, from June 6 to 8, 2023.
Learn more about the PRESTIGE Awards on their website.