Dave Shewfelt

2019 Inductee – Builder, Swimming Officiating

Dave Shewfelt began his affiliation with swimming as a competitive swimmer with the Hamilton Aquatic Club in 1964, finishing his swimming career with the Brantford Aquatic Club and McMaster University. He has always been interested in doing more for the sport, thus reconnecting with the Brantford Aquatic Club in 1989, when his two sons joined the competitive swimming program. It wasn’t long before Dave became a club volunteer helping to improve competitive swimming in Brantford, as well starting his competitive swimming official’s career that would span over four decades.

Click to view the interview with Dave Shewfelt.

Ten years later, in 1999, Dave was certified as a Canadian Master Official. With additional development, education and experience over the next ten years, Dave was certified as an International FINA Referee in 2009. During these 20 years, Dave managed swim competitions for the Brantford Aquatic Club and throughout the province, streamlining procedures and policies as well developing officials in Brantford and Canada. Dave has held the position of President and Director for the Brantford Aquatic Club and Director for the Swim Ontario Board of Management.

During his eight-year tenure as a FINA Referee, Dave represented Canada at the World Swimming Championships held at Dubai and Windsor, the World Aquatic Championships at Barcelona, the Pan American Games at Toronto and the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.

In 2012, he received the “George Jones Memorial Award” for Lifetime Volunteerism and in 2016 Dave received the “Ken Filippelli Memorial Award” recognizing him as Canada’s Outstanding Swimming Official. Keeping with his spirit of volunteerism, Dave is an active member of the Paris Lions Club. He has served as President, received the “Helen Keller Fellowship Award” for “service to others”, and the Lion of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding service, loyalty and devotion. Dave continues to volunteer and develop new officials at Canadian National events, Provincial and local club competitions.