Cecil L. Williamson Educational Grants

On May 18th 2010, the TSA Board of Directors approved by acclamation a motion to rename TSA's Educational Grant program in honor of the late Cecil Williamson, who passed away in February at the age of 55.

Cecil Williamson was involved with TSA and with the larger swimming community for almost two decades. Beginning in 1987 as a Stroke and Turn Judge with the Kildaire Farms Racquet and Swim Club, Cecil rapidly became an institution at swim meets, officiating at TSA Championship Meets, Junior Championship Meets and Cary City Invitational Meets. Cecil was certified by USA Swimming as a Stroke and Turn Judge, as a Meet Referee and as a Meet Manager. He studied at the USA Swimming Training Center in Colorado and in turn mentored many local TSA parent volunteers through clinics and workshops and during meets. Cecil used his talents to serve the wider swimming world as well, officiating at meets held by year-round swim teams such as RSA and the YMCA and at the Special Olympics. He likewise gave his time to competitions held at Wake County high schools, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Such was Cecil's dedication to swimming that he continued to volunteer his time to TSA and other swimming events for many years after his own children had ceased to swim competitively, until his illness finally forced him away from the sport in 2005.

Cecil Williamson was known as an honest and dedicated man, passionate about making swimming a sport for everyone. His hard work over many years helped make TSA the organization it is today, and we in turn are grateful to commemorate Cecil by naming the TSA Educational Grants in his honor.