Local triathlon and cross-country race organizer finalist for national sport tourism award

Clive Morgan selected as a finalist for Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Volunteer of the Year Award

May 30, 2023

(Kingston, Ontario, Canada) – Growing up as a competitive swimmer and runner, Clive Morgan was always passionate about competing in athletics. In 1984, he signed up for his first triathlon in Kingston and 40 years later, he still competes. His participation in sport combined with his children’s involvement in swimming, running, and triathlons translated into volunteering as a race director and organizer for many sporting events in the Kingston community. Morgan has been selected as a finalist for the PRESTIGE Volunteer of the Year by Sport Tourism Canada, recognizing his long-term commitment to Kingston’s sport community.

Morgan became the Loyalist Kids of Steel Triathlon organizer and race director in 2000, running the event for 10 years. He then worked with Steve Boyd, his running coach at Physi-Kult, to bring university-level cross-country races for Queen’s University to Fort Henry. That effort resulted in years of hosting Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario events in Kingston, bringing in thousands of visitors to Kingston. 

Morgan’s collaborations with Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario resulted in Kingston hosting prestigious events such as the Athletics Canada Cross Country Nationals (2015 – 2018) and the Athletics Ontario Provincials in 2021 and 2022. These events attracted athletes from all corners of Canada, including Olympians, National and USports athletes, and masters athletes ranging in age from 40 to 80.  

Because of these events, Kingston has emerged as a premier competitive cross-country destination. Morgan explains that the course is highly coveted. “Our selling point for the Fort Henry course, first off, was the quality of the course,” he says. “The course is a big open field. It is a true cross-country event entirely run on grass. There are many events where you must cross roads or go on gravel trails. And this course is rolling, with some hills. You are looking out over the fort to see the lake, Royal Military College and downtown Kingston.”  

With over 30 years of leadership in organizing sporting events, Morgan has left an indelible mark on triathlons and cross-country in Kingston. “The bottom line is I am not going to be happy with doing something that’s not as good as it possibly can be,” he says. “If you put on good-quality events, people will get involved and try out different sports.” 

The presentation of the PRESTIGE Awards will take place during Sport Events Congress in Richmond, BC June 6-8.