The European Underwater Federation has created a new award in honor of former EUF Honorary Vice President and PADI Europe cofounder Jack Lavanchy.
Lavanchy, a pioneer of the European dive community, passed away on January 27 at age 87.
A Swiss native, Lavanchy helped cofound PADI Europe and was a major force behind the organization’s growth in the 1980s and 1990s.
The EUF unanimously agreed to create the award at its General Assembly last month. The award will be presented at the beginning of each year to an individual who the members of the EUF feel has made a significant and sustained contribution toward the responsible development of the European diving community.
EUF President Mark Caney said:
“Jack always spoke with passion of the importance of everyone in diving working together to grow and promote the sport. He was personally instrumental in establishing diving in Europe so this award will be a fitting way to honour his memory and to further the goals he always advocated with such passion.”
More information about how the EUF Lavanchy Award will be administered and allocated will be announced shortly on the EUF website and Facebook page.
