Swimming, Builder, Inducted 2017 |
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From his lengthy volunteer involvement with the Coquitlam Sharks swim club, to a 40-year commitment as a swim official, Barry Parish has been the epitome of dedication.
He has served at nearly every level, including as director of officials for the Simon Fraser region of B.C. Summer Swimming for six years, and a regional director for another seven. His involvement at the committee level over saw major changes as BCSSA aligned its rules to international FINA rules. Helping others learn how to officiate, Parish has seen swimmers make the move to volunteers on the deck and conducted numerous officials clinics around the region.
The first person to be awarded a lifetime membership by the Coquitlam Sharks, Parish has volunteered with Special Olympics, B.C. High School swimming, Swim BC and Coquitlam-hosted 55-plus Games in 2016. After the death of his son Jason in 1991, Parish established the Jason Parish Memorial scholarship, awarded to deserving BC summer swimmers. His involvement in the sport of swimming, as both a tireless volunteer and mentor, has been a major contribution factor for the sport thriving not only in his hometown of Coquitlam but across the province.