This award, now in its second year, looks to honour an individual who, through these core values of rowing, have inspired exceptional success in other people’s lives – in education, business, sport or charity.
Parmigiani Fleurier is a Swiss watchmaker of unique, hand-crafted timepieces. A common philosophy lies at the basis of the partnership between World Rowing and Parmigiani Fleurier which was forged in 2012. Precision, coordination and elegance are similar qualities that are needed both in the sport of rowing and in the craftsmanship of unique precision timepieces.
“Parmigiani and FISA are dedicated to providing young athletes and scholars with the opportunity to cultivate rowing’s values and to search for excellence on the water and in the classroom,” said FISA president Denis Oswald.
The Parmigiani Spirit Award is open to current university students worldwide who study full time and row regularly for a university rowing club. The winner of the Award will receive a hand-crafted Parmigiani Fleurier watch and the rowing club of the winner will be presented with a custom made new Filippi racing eight boat. Filippi boats are made in Italy and used by medal-winning crews throughout the world. For rowers in some countries (such as the United States where NCAA regulations apply), the awards will be adjusted to conform with national eligibility regulations.
Each nomination must be made by two of the nominated rower’s teammates, supported by the rowing club and endorsed by the university. Only one member may be nominated by each club.
The winner of the inaugural Parmigiani Spirit Award was James Cook who rows for the University of London Boat Club in Great Britain. Cook excelled both academically and in sport as well as dedicating time to coaching while training for international events and raising funds for a charity that provides villages in Africa with clean drinking water.
