The Annual Paragon Awards, sponsored by Paragon Aquatics, are presented for outstanding contributions to: Competitive Swimming, Water Polo, Competitive Diving, Aquatic Safety, Synchronized Swimming and Recreational Swimming. The past recipients have been outstanding leaders and athletes. The statement below is Joe Krasevec’s acceptance speech at the May 7, 2011 ceremony at the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
I am extremely humbled to be a 2011 recipient of the ISHOF Paragon Award in the Recreational Swimming Category which represents a successful career of approximately 50 years in the recreational sports/aquatic industry. When I retired I spent my first year reflecting over the many years of my professional career to question whether or not I made a contribution to the profession. I was proud of the fact that I was both a faculty and staff member at Georgia State University (GSU) in the Recreational Services Department where I had the opportunity to provide faculty, staff, and students with a variety of recreational sports/fitness programs.
It was during this time I developed the HydroRobics water exercise program and eventually co-authored my first book entitled HydroRobics with Ms. Diane Grimes of the College of Arts and Sciences at GSU. This book was translated into several languages and was the top seller for Human Kinetics Publishers for over twenty years.
In 1987 the YMCA was granted permission to officially use the HydroRobics program in a new book, The Y’s Way to Water Exercise. I was also asked to write a national instructor training manual, appropriately entitled, Y’s Way to Water Exercise – Instructor Training Manual. The program and training manual were successfully used for 12 years.
As the organizing chairman and charter member with a group of water fitness professionals we formed the NACAE, the National Advisory Committee on Aquatic Exercise. Swimming organizations in both Australia and Brazil commissioned me to go on tour to conduct instructor training workshops which culminated in a one month – four city tour of Australia in 1987 and four tours in Brazil over the next 5 years.
I am proud and humbled to be among a class of individuals who have achieved outstanding success in their aquatic professions and are deserving of this award. Receiving the Paragon Award has reminded me that I have made a significant difference and my work will continue to contribute to the well being of individuals throughout the world.
Editors note: In 2010 the President of the International Swimming Hall of Fame appointed Joe to serve on their prestigious International Advisory Committee on which he is now an active and involved member.