and business of whitewater around the world.
On September 26th, 2009, friends, family, and whitewater industry legends gathered for the 4th annual International Whitewater Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. Rafael Gallo, along with six other honorees, was inducted into the IWHOF in Bryson City, North Carolina.
“The IWHOF is an exceptional collection of men and women who have dedicated their lives to whitewater sport, conservation, and advocacy. It is a great honor indeed to be recognized with this group.” Says Rafael Gallo, co-founder and President of Rios Tropicales.
In honoring Mr. Gallo with the Advocate award, the IWHOF recognized that in his role as the founder of one of the most well-respected rafting companies in the world, Rafael has led the fight to save the Pacuare River from the first dam threat in the 1990’s and protected 2,000 acres of rainforest along that river. A founder of the International Rafting Federation, Rafael has helped increase international rafting standards, awareness, and has promoted the sport throughout the world.
“We are particularly excited about the breadth of this year’s honorees and their breathtaking accomplishment,” notes Risa Shimoda, Chair, IWHOF Board of Governors. They hail from six countries and their nomination and election reflect participation from 74 affiliate organizations and 100 electors from 29 countries.”
Mr. Gallo is the co-founder and President of Rios Tropicales, a Costa Rican rafting and adventure company rated the #1 rafting company in Costa Rica since 2007, by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Mr. Gallo is President of the International Rafting Federation, and board director of Costa Rican Nature Reserves Network (Red de Reservas), America Outdoors, and Rios Tropicales Foundation, a non-profit river conservation organization. An expert paddler himself, Mr. Gallo, has long been at the forefront of efforts to promote rafting, protection of rivers, and international sustainable adventure development through international competition and best practices collaboration. Mr. Gallo helped establish rafting in several Central and South American countries and is currently working with the Kingdom of Bhutan to help establish sustainable rafting adventure tourism in that country.
About The International Whitewater Hall of Fame
The International Whitewater Hall of Fame, a project of the Paddlesports Industry Foundation, recognizes individuals whose accomplishments have contributed significantly to whitewater activities.
www.iwhof.org
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Rios Tropicaleshas been selected as a Finalist and Runner-Up for its leadership in the El Tigre South-South Sustainable Community Development Project. TIES Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Awards recognizes individuals and organizations who |  |
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