HAC Awards Program
HAC is proud to offer two awards designed to celebrate and support our exceptional student-athletes. These awards, each valued at $500, recognize Grade 11 and 12 swimmers who excel in academics and athletics while positively contributing to their communities.The 2026/2027 HAC Award applications will open in Fall 2026.
Joanne Malar Sports Achievement Award
HAC is proud to honor one of Hamilton’s most celebrated athletes with the Joanne Malar Sports Achievement Award. Joanne Malar, a three-time Olympian and World Champion, was a member of the Canadian National Swim Team for an incredible 14 years. During her career, Joanne represented Hamilton and Canada with unwavering dedication, competing at the highest levels of the sport and inspiring countless young swimmers.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Joanne was deeply committed to the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community involvement. She understood that success in sport is about more than just results—it’s about perseverance, leadership, and making a positive impact on those around you. By naming this award after Joanne, we celebrate her legacy and encourage our athletes to aspire to her level of excellence both in and out of the water.
This award recognizes swimmers who exhibit exceptional performance, dedication, and a commitment to fostering a positive team environment. Applicants must submit the following:
- FINA Ranking: FINA points achieved within 2025/2026 swim season.
- Endorsement: A recommendation from a coach or another adult mentor demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship within the club or community.
- Bio: A 500-word bio highlighting their athletic accomplishments, work ethic, and contributions to the team.
Paul Leslie Academic Excellence Award
HAC is proud to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Paul Leslie, one of our club’s longest-serving and most dedicated volunteers, with the creation of the Paul Leslie Academic Excellence Award.
For over 28 years, Paul has been a cornerstone of HAC and the broader swimming community in Canada. As a former HAC President and our highest-ranking official, Paul has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to the development of others. He has trained hundreds of officials, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring the continued success of swim meets at all levels. His positivity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on our club. By naming this award after Paul, we honor his remarkable legacy of service and mentorship, inspiring our athletes to pursue excellence in all aspects of their lives.
This award celebrates swimmers who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to personal growth both in and out of the pool. Applicants are asked to submit the following:
- Academic Score: Final report card from the 2025/2026 school year.
- Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate involvement in volunteering, jobs, or extracurricular activities.
- Teacher/Adult Endorsement: A recommendation from a teacher or another adult mentor demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, and responsibility within the club or community.
- Bio: 500-word bio detailing their academic journey, personal interests, and community contributions.
Award Value & Eligibility Criteria
- Two $500 awards will be granted annually.
- Applicants may apply for both awards; however, an athlete may only receive one award.
- Recipients can highlight this prestigious achievement on their resumes, showcasing their dedication to academic and athletic excellence.
- Open to active HAC swimmers currently in Grade 11 or 12.
Timeline:
- Applications Open: Setpember 8, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 8, 2026
- Adjudication Period: October 10-25, 2026
- Award Presentation: 2026 HAC Banquet
Steps to Apply:
- Review the eligibility criteria.
- Complete the application form (links below) and attach all required documents.
- Submit your application by October 8, 2026. Click on application links below.
- Joanne Malar Sports Achievement Award - coming soon
- Paul Leslie Academic Excellence Award - coming soon
The HAC Awards Program reflects the heart of our club values: perseverance, leadership, sportsmanship, friendship, and unity. We are thrilled to honor our student-athletes' achievements and look forward to celebrating their success.
