Bill Sweasy, who will be retiring as CEO of Red Wing Shoe Company this year, was among the individuals and groups honored at the third annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by Adidas Outdoor during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. The awards recognize individuals, groups and companies that motivate others to become active in the outdoors through their moving stories of personal achievement and an unending passion for the outdoors.
Every winner is playing an integral role in showcasing the importance of outdoor activity, said Greg Thomsen, managing director for adidas Outdoor North America. In their own way, theyve inspired others to experience the outdoors, and in many cases, changed lives forever. Sharing their experiences has made a significant difference for those they impacted and we are all grateful for their contributions to our community.
Fred Beckey, 90, iconic mountaineer and author, was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement award for completing more first ascents than any other human.
Sweasy was awarded the individual award for his long time involvement in outdoor advocacy and with the Red Wing Environmental Learning Center, a non-profit organization started by his father in 1970.
Suunto has named one of two winners in the company category for its 76 years of providing innovative sports instruments for the outdoor adventure seeker. The second winner was Outdoor Afro, which was founded to reconnect African-Americans with natural spaces and one another through recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, birding fishing, gardening, and skiing. The organization uses social media to create interest and to partner with regional and national organizations, retailers and brands that support diverse participation in the great outdoors.
The Sierra Club, Mission Outdoors Volunteers and Soldiers to Summits (S2S) were honored in the group category, which focuses on non-profit service organizations.
