The Diane Stowell Most Inspirational Swimmer Award was started in 2017 when the Club’s Swimming Committee decided to dedicate the OCC Invitational Swim in memory of Diane. The award perpetuates Diane’s ability to inspire others to compete to the best of their ability, regardless of their age or experience.
A new perpetual trophy was created for the Outrigger Canoe Club Invitational Swim in Memory of Diane Stowell in 2020. The trophy was donated by Diane’s son, Dean Stowell and his family. Dean and Dale Hope shared Diane’s love of the ocean and her strong spirit with Hawaii artist Eric Maurus who had created a number of famous surfer and water legend statues but had never designed a swimmer before.
Eric made a clay mold and then turned it into bronze for the swimmer. Eric then created the water aspect out of casting resin that he carved to look like the ocean. The trophy is set on a koa base.
The names of the Outrigger Invitational Swim’s Most Inspirational Swimmer will be listed on the base.
To learn more about Diane Stowell, go to her Winged “O” profile or her oral history.
Winners
2017
Liloa Stowell
2018
Ernie Leskovitz
2019
Kathleen Quinn