Dr. Harald Vervaecke becomes an MLC Honorary Life Member
Mediterranean 13.04.2024. The Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation (MLC) proudly announces that Dr. Harald Vervaecke PhD is the first to be granted MLC Honorary Membership.
Dr. Harald Vervaecke was born in Lubumbashi in Zaire (former Elisabethville - Belgian Congo) on 22/5/1950. At the age of 11, he made his first succesful drowning rescue and since then he has served the world of aquatics and lifesaving for over half a century as an athlete, administrator, academic, physical educator, large event organizer or coordinator, author, researcher and scholar. He is credited for having facilitated the creation of the world’s drowning prevention and lifesaving sport body, the ILS, and recently the MLC. He organized numerous World Drowning Prevention Conferences, World Lifesaving and Military Championships, enhanced the personal growth of many individuals and national organizations, and acted as the driving force for the advancement of numerous activities that take place at national, regional and world level.
Dr. Vervaecke, commented about his recognition: “The formation of the MLC was a long dream. I am pleased to accept this honorary membership not for my own personal joy but as a means for the advancement of lifesaving sport that is so much needed within the Mediterreanean basin.”
The MLC President, Giorgio Quintavalle and the MLC Secretary General, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said on this occasion: “Dr Vervaecke is what we call one in a million. If he did not exist, we would need to invent him. His tireless input to the world of lifesaving is unique, profound, endless and consistent. He has connected the dots of science, sport, public health, humanism in all over the world. He is the legendary and living history of our field!”
The award presentation will take place at a special ceremony during the 1st Mediterranean Lifesaving Championships in Rome, Italy on 24-27/7/2024.
