Louis Simard’s involvement in the world of water sports began in the early 1960s, where as a barefoot water skier, he began setting records in slalom and endurance, a trend which would continue from his time in the age 17 to 24 division through to his current record in the age 65-69 division. Although Simard’s involvement as an athlete are quite remarkable, his work as a builder for the sport of water skiing has represented a significant contribution to the sport’s development in Quebec and Canada over the last 4 decades.
In 1964, Simard founded the ski club “Les Marsoins de Pointe-aux-Trembles” and became the club’s president. This led to his initial post as Director of the Fédération Quebecoise de ski nautique. Throughout the 60s and 70s Simard was also the President of the Canadian Kite Flyer Association, was the President and Chairman of the 25th Canadian Water Ski Championships, held various positions with the Québec Games, including vice-president and treasurer, and was the liaison for French media at the 1979 World Water Ski Championships held in Toronto. Simard also began his involvement on the Executive Board of Water Ski Canada, a position he held from 1970 through to 2008.
The 80s and 90s saw Simard working hard for marathon skiing through his efforts in its organization, promotion and liaisons with the media. Throughout this time, he continued his involvement in an administrative capacity as vice-president and president of the Fédération Quebecoise de ski nautique as well as serving as the Chairman of the organizing committee forthe Canadian Barefoot Championships in 1991 and 1996.
More recently, Simard has worked tirelessly in the organization of various water ski, adaptive water ski and barefoot events sitting on countless organizing committees in various capacities. Simard has also been involved as a judge at various levels of competition including acting as Chief Judge at the 1999, 2005 and 2007 World Water Ski Racing Championships.
He has served as President of the Fédération Quebecoise de ski nautique, through various points in time including from 1964 through to 1970, 1971 to 1973, and again from 1989 until 2010. He has been involved in over 42 years in the organization and judging of water ski competitions.
Through his efforts over the last four decades, Simard has contributed to the continuous advancement of our sport both nationally and internationally.