Over the course of over thirty years, Joyce Corner was instrumental in the growth of Artistic Swimming Provincially, Nationally and Internationally. Beginning back in 1969, Joyce first introduced synchronized swimming to Mississauga by offering recreational classes for interested swimmers. In 1973 ,Joyce co-founded Mississauga Synchronized Swimming Club and later coached for the Kawartha-Trent Synchro Club. In 1974, Joyce was also elected President of Synchro Ontario.
Joyce became active as a judge in Ontario and in addition became the Judges Chair for Synchro Canada from 1976-1981. In 1978 Joyce became an International Judge and had the opportunity to judge throughout the world representing Canada at numerous Club and National Team Meets, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Pan American Games and ultimately being appointed as the Canadian Olympic Judge at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea.
Joyce shared her expertise throughout Ontario, Canada and Internationally running combined Judges and Coaches clinics for many years. In 1982 Joyce, together with Mary Ann Reeves and Margaret McLennan went to Russia to observe and train officials. This was the first time the west was allowed to see Russian Synchro Swimmers. During these years Joyce was also instrumental in the preparation of Malaysia for the Commonwealth Games, running judges clinics and travelling as team leader with coaches and National A Team swimmers. In 1985 Malaysian judges, swimmers, and administrators came to the Western Divisional Meet for observation and further training. Also this year Malaysia was able to host its very first National Championships. During this time Joyce was appointed to the ASUA Technical Committee and together with Dane Kane from the USA arranged joint judging clinics in Peru, Brazil and Mexico over the course of her 12 years on the committee.
It was during this time that Joyce also became a Masters athlete competing in Duet with her sister. They were extremely successful winning Provincial and National Championships as well as winning gold at World Championships in England, Germany, Italy and New Zealand.
Such a storied career brought numerous awards and accolades. Joyce was honoured to receive the following awards throughout her many years of service.
1975 – Ontario Special Achievement Award
1979 – Peterborough Red Sullivan Award Sportsperson of the year
1980 – Millie Cox Award – Ontario Volunteer of the year
1980 – Runner-up Air Canada Amateur Sports Award
1981 – Induction into Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame
1992 – 125th Anniversary Confederation of Canada Medal
2000 – Synchro Canada Bridge Builders Award
We are honoured to choose such a well deserving candidate as Joyce Corner to be one of this years Inductees on the OAS Wall of Honour.
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