Louise Ashcroft of Canada and Joe Campbell of the United States received the prestigious World ParaVolley Life Member honours during a special ceremony at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The recognition took place in the presence of the International Technical Officials (ITOs) for the sitting volleyball tournament, celebrating their long-standing service and commitment to the sport.
Ashcroft, who has been with World ParaVolley for over 20 years, was recognised for her extensive contributions as the international federation’s Medical Director. Reflecting on the honour, she expressed her gratitude for the journey she has experienced.
“I am very grateful to World ParaVolley for taking me on this journey for the last twenty years. I never ever expected to become a medical director for an international federation.”
She also reflected on the challenges she faced in her role, noting how they helped her appreciate the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. “It’s been challenging, but it’s really allowed me to better understand how important our role is to be guardians for the games and guardians for the sport.”
Ashcroft acknowledged the team around her that contributed to the success of her department. “I’m really happy and quite emotional because I’ve been really fortunate to work with people that have supported all the work in our department. They’ve given their talent, their expertise, and their time. Without their support, we wouldn’t have had the success that we’ve had.”
She also expressed her appreciation to the World ParaVolley Board for the nomination and extended her thanks to the athletes, officials, and coaches.
“I’d like to thank the Board for this nomination, and for believing in the work that we do. I’d like to thank the officials, the athletes and coaches for the inspiration they provide to all of us. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many great people, and many of them have become amazing friends.”
Joe Campbell, a prominent referee with a long-standing connection to sitting volleyball, also received the honour. His affiliation into the sport began unexpectedly in 1989, but it quickly turned into a lifelong passion.
“Honestly, it’s a huge honour. At the same time, it was never an expectation of mine. If I go back in time, I was a jock growing up. I loved sports. Growing up in the USA, baseball and football were my true loves, especially baseball. I never dreamed that one day I’d get involved with volleyball.”
Campbell’s journey began with a phone call inviting him to referee the World Championships in the United States. He recalled how that experience ignited his passion for the sport.
“They brought the World Championships to the United States for the first time ever. I received a phone call because I ran a lot of leagues and taught clinics for referees in Las Vegas. I was asked to go referee for the World Championships, which was still known as ISOD at the time.”
He went on to describe how this led to further opportunities, including officiating at the Paralympic Games.
“After that, Dr. Walter Rosenthal, who was the Volleyball Referee Commission chair, said, ‘Well, we’re impressed with your abilities as a referee and would like to invite you if you would consider being a referee for our federation.’ I just thought it was totally amazing and said, ‘I would love to.’ That was in 1989. Then I received a phone call in early 1992 from the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs saying, ‘Is this the Joe Campbell who refereed in the World Championships in 1989?’ Then I said yes and went to my international referee course in London and then went to Barcelona for my first Paralympic Games.”
Reflecting on the honour, Campbell expressed how much it meant to him. “This honour is like a stamp of approval. It lets me know that my colleagues have not only noted my accomplishments, but I guess, I could say it’s a ‘job well done’ remark from them. They appreciate all the effort and work that I’ve put in, and it’s amazing! It’s truly astonishing to be recognised for everything because I definitely didn’t do it for notoriety. I did it for the sport, for the athletes, and the love of the game.”
Campbell, who plans to continue contributing to World ParaVolley for as long as possible, expressed his enthusiasm for the future.
“It’s been a great ride so far, and I plan to continue this wonderful ride for as long as possible; or as long as I feel I can contribute to World ParaVolley. When I feel I can no longer contribute, then it’s time to step down. But I think I have a few more miles to go.”
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
