GUY SIMONIS

CLASS OF 2025 - HISTORICAL FIGURE INDUCTEE

Guy Simonis is a trailblazer in the development of water polo in Canada and a visionary leader in the broader world of sport administration. Born in the Netherlands, he played water polo as a teenager before immigrating to Winnipeg in 1954. Finding no existing teams, he took it upon himself to grow the sport. By 1959, he had gathered enough interest to form an impromptu league with two teams, organizing practices, games, fundraising, and meetings. This grassroots effort laid the foundation for organized water polo in Manitoba. His leadership continued when he formed a Manitoba team to compete at the 1964 National Water Polo Championships, where he participated as both a player and a referee. His influence expanded nationally when he was elected President of Water Polo Canada in 1968. That same year, FINA recognized his expertise, selecting him to officiate water polo matches at the Olympic Games in Mexico City. 

Beyond water polo, Simonis made a lasting impact on amateur sport funding in Canada. As the primary founder and first Chairman of the Manitoba Sports Federation, he spearheaded efforts to secure financial support for amateur athletes. Tasked by the Manitoba government with establishing a lottery to fund sports, he became the Executive Director of Western Canada Lottery in 1974, setting the stage for future nationwide lotteries such as Lotto 6/49. His leadership in the lottery industry expanded internationally, serving as President of various lottery associations and earning numerous honors, including the founding presidency of the World Lottery Association. His contributions to Canadian sport and lottery funding were recognized with inductions into the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame (1992) and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (1994), as well as a lifetime achievement award in his name. Simonis’ legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and profound impact on both water polo and sports funding in Canada.