JENO ATS

CLASS OF 2024 - HISTORICAL FIGURE INDUCTEE

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Jeno Ats competed as a swimmer at the 1956 Olympic Games. In 1964, he immigrated to Canada and quickly established himself as a prominent water polo player and coach. With the East End Boys Club and Concordia in Montreal, he captured junior and senior Canadian titles between 1965 and 1970. His influence as a player as well as a Quebec provincial and Canadian national team men’s coach was one of the most significant in the history of Canadian water polo in that era, supporting the development of numerous Canadian athletes, officials and coaches at the international level. His contribution expanded the sport across Quebec and he helped put Canada on the international water polo map. Many of the Canadian water polo personalities that he recruited, trained and mentored went on to become leaders in the sport from the 1970’s to the current era. Without his passion, expertise, unique and innovative approach, Canadian water polo simply could not have stepped out onto the international stage and achieved the recognition and successes it garnered during the pivotal 1970-76 era.