Industry News

Surfing America honors Fuel TV General Manager

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 1 July, 2010 : - - San Juan Capistrano -- Surfing America, the national governing body for the sport of surfing in the USA, has honored CJ Olivares, General Manager of Fuel TV, with the second annual Dick Baker Memorial Award. Olivares accepted the award on Monday, June 28th at the Historical Casino in San Clemente, CA.

"Last year, Surfing America initiated the award in the late Dick Baker's honor because of his dedication to advancing the sport and business of surfing, his role in the creation and development of Surfing America, and for his compassion and unending willingness to mentor others," said Michael Gerard, Executive Director of Surfing America. 

"Dick was an incredible leader and a guiding light for the entire industry.  In the spirit of him, each year, we will carry on the tradition of recognizing individuals who follow in Dick's footsteps.  CJ is a perfect example of that."

A special committee chaired by Dick's wife, Una Baker, reviewed nominations and selected Olivares for this award because he believes deeply in the development of youth surfing, the vitality of the surf industry, and what the combination of both represents culturally.

The selection criteria for the award was based upon the legacy Dick Baker left to the surf industry.  The award, each year, goes to an individual, male or female, who best displays the following qualities, in priority order:
 
  1.  A loving and dedicated parent
 
  2.  A natural willingness to mentor others
 
  3.  A passion for the business of the Surf Industry
 
  4.  A dedication to supporting charitable causes
 
  5.  Respect for peers and competitors alike
 
  6.  A high standard of personal integrity
 
  7.  Dedicated to advancing the sport

Throughout his career, Olivares has been responsible for producing or telecasting well over 100 hours of surf programming on Fuel TV and FSN; and the operation of WCT and WQS events, including Teahupoo, Lowers, Coldwater Classic and the US Open. He is actively involved with and serves on the boards of the Surfrider Foundation, SurfAid, SIMA, and Grades of Green, a charity dedicated to the education of kids (grades K-12) in environmental awareness and sustainable living. 

Olivares is also father to three outstanding daughters Clare, Natalie and Eve.  In parenting, he and his wife Amy consistently strive to provide their girls with an environment that focuses on integrity, compassion, hard work and enthusiasm.

In Dick's honor, approximately 200 industry friends. families, and guests attended the event at the Historic Casino in San Clemente on Monday night.  The 2011 PacSun USA Surf Team was formally introduced in conjunction with presenting the award to Olivares.
 
"Dick was a special man, an unparalleled mentor and a dynamic leader to me and so many others, both inside and outside the surfing community," said Olivares. "He set an exceptional standard for family, community and support of surfing. In receiving this award, I am not only incredibly appreciative and honored, but also powerfully inspired to live up to Dick's standards of purpose and compassion."

"Ryan, Jack and I are humbled to have this award presented annually to a person who exemplifies the dedication, passion, love and leadership that Dick showed the industry," said Una Baker.  "It is an honor to have CJ be the 2010 recipient of this award.  CJ's love of family and life extends into his dedication to charitable causes, his professional career and his belief in the vitality of the surf industry."

Special thanks to the following Dick Baker Memorial Award event sponsors:

Casino San Clemente
PacSun
SIMA
Wild Rock Wine Company
Primo Beer
Waialua Soda
Long Board Ice Cream

www.surfingamerica.org
www.perucalifornia.com


What's your take on this?
Post your thoughts: SV Forum

New Survey: Map Surfing’s future 

More USA/Cen Amer. surfing news available here
Check the latest West Coast Surf Reports and Forecasts

New! B2B News ASBE-Surf   |  Receive News-Alerts

Mike Gerard

Exchange - Surfersvillage