The Paddlesports Industry Foundation (PIF) has acquired the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) from its founder, the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI). 


The agreement between PIF and ASCI is intended to provide a long-term home for the Hall of Fame and “allow PIF and the Hall of Fame board of governors to pursue new and varied ways to celebrate the accomplishments of the Hall's inductees,” said PIF Chairman Ed Councill. 

 

ASCI is a non-profit corporation that bulit a 1,700-foot recirculating whitewater course on top of a mountain to promote adventure sports in Western Maryland. The course is the centerpiece of the facility, which opened in May 2007 and includes mountain biking trails and rock climbing.

IWHOF was founded in 2003 by the Adventure Sports Center International, Inc., of Garrett County, Maryland, home of the world’s first mountaintop artificial whitewater course. The IWHOF ownership transfer enables ASCI to focus on the operation of its 575-acre paddling, climbing, hiking and mountain biking facility and promoting outdoor recreation in western Maryland. 


“We are excited about this new home for IWHOF,” notes Risa Shimoda, the Board of Governors chair and a member of the PIF Board of Directors.  “The Hall of Fame is about celebrating the lives and accomplishments of extraordinary paddlers and telling their story to the largest possible audience. This move allows us to aggressively pursue opportunities to tell those stories.” 


According to PIF Secretary/Treasurer Matt Menashes, IWHOF directly supports its mission to promote the growth of Paddlesports.


“By celebrating the accomplishments of a nationally recognized environmental leader like Martin Litton, the celebrated artist William Nealy, champion athletes Cathy Hearn and Richard Fox, or lifesaver Charlie Walbridge, others will be inspired to achieve great things,” said Menashes.

 

The PIF and the board of governors will now begin working with other groups to administer the annual election process, establish permanent and travelling exhibits, and educate the public about IWHOF honorees.  PIF will seek license agreements with organizations interested in hosting induction ceremonies and creatively celebrating the esteemed IWHOF Explorers, Pioneers, Champions and Advocates.

“The opportunity to license IWHOF properties may catalyze activities ranging from regional events in Hall of Famer hometowns and induction events that are held abroad, to the creation of a virtual museum of gear, video and interviews,” says Shimoda.  “Stay tuned!”


The Paddlesports Industry Foundation, a newly created 501(c)(3) charitable organization.