​Jim Minards first joined St. Catharines Rowing Club in 1949, and since then has played a key role developing Henley Island into what it is today.

Serving as the Henley Island Facilities Manager, Jim was responsible for the building of the offices, medical building, and multiple other structures. In the 1950s, he developed a St. Catharines high school rowing program that started with 14 athletes and expanded to include 15 schools. It would become the foundation of the strong St. Catharines high school rowing program that exists today.

Jim has also contributed to the local, provincial, national and international rowing communities through sitting on various committees and serving in many different roles, including as President of St. Catharines Rowing Club, President of RCA and Design Assistant for the Montreal Olympic Rowing Venue.

“On behalf of Row Ontario and the entire Ontario rowing community, congratulations Jim on receiving this prestigious award,” said Andrew Backer, Row Ontario CEO. “Countless numbers of athletes, coaches, umpires and passionate rowing volunteers alike have benefited so much as a result of you and your colleagues seeing your vision out for Henley Island in the 1950s. Thank you!”