The NELMSC is pleased to present Bob Fredette with a Lifetime Appreciation Award for 2020. The Appreciation Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions toward the conduct, leadership, and support of the NELMSC or its registered clubs.

Forty years ago, Bob founded the Seacoast Swimming Association in Dover, NH, which has instilled the love of swimming into thousands of athletes over the years. He hired Coach Mike Parratto, later inducted into the ASCA Hall of Fame, and under Mike’s tutelage Seacoast became one of the dominant teams in New England Swimming. Seacoast developed many high-caliber athletes, including Jenny Thompson, who began swimming for Seacoast at age twelve and became one of the most decorated swimmers in history with twelve Olympic medals. Additionally, Bob served as the Officials Chair of New England Swimming for five years, and as the Chair of the New England Local Swimming Committee (LSC) for two years.

Bob is proud of his many years involved in swimming at all levels. Along with Priscilla Davis, Bob has officiated at every New England SCY Masters Championship since the meet came to Harvard in 1999, along with countless mini meets. He especially loves Masters swimmers because “everyone is friendly and pursuing healthy goals by keeping in shape and being social.” He now officiates exclusively for Masters meets and frequently serves as Meet Referee.

At 76 years young, Bob has mentored and trained many of our New England officials over the years. His quick wit and friendliness, along with his calm and confident oversight of our meets, make him a welcome presence on deck.

Thank you, Bob, for all you do!

Here's what a few NELMSC members have to say about Bob:

• “Many swimmers aren't aware of how stressful it can be to run any swim meet. Bob's humor and experience make it that much easier.”

• “Bob is always there, watching to keep us honest, and ready with a big smile and a joke.”

• “Bob is a dedicated professional whose love of the sport and a front row seat has led him to his extensive career and to NELMSC’s great appreciation for him. His amazing, energetic, charismatic personality shines so brightly and without it the world of swimming—well, my world of swimming, for sure—would not be the same.”