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In The South

Olympian to receive prestigious Point Legend Award

Besi Besemar March 9, 2016

Greg Louganis
Greg Louganis

Five-time Olympic medalist Greg Louganis is to receive a Point Legend Award which recognises an individual who has achieved greatness in their professional career and unapologetically supported the LGBTQ community.

The award from the Point Foundation, America’s largest scholarship-granting organisation for LGBTQ students of merit, will be presented to Louganis at a Gala in the landmark New York Public Library on April 11.

Louganis said: “I am deeply honored to be receiving the Point Legend Award this year.

“Point Foundation’s service to help LGBTQ youth overcome all the obstacles, challenges, prejudices that I myself endured is so inspirational. To see these young men and women get the opportunity to obtain higher education degrees truly touches my heart and I am so proud of each of them. I look forward to cheering them on, both scholars and mentors on this very special night.”

Jorge Valencia,
Jorge Valencia,

Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation, said: “Greg Louganis is rightfully an icon of perseverance and courage for so many people, as well as a person with a genuine magnanimous spirit.

“He has participated in a number of Point events, and our scholars and alumni are always inspired by what he has to say and the example he has set as an LGBTQ advocate and athlete. With the Summer Olympics fast approaching, it is a fitting time to honour Greg with the Point Foundation Legend Award.”

Pete Nowalk, Executive Producer and creator of ABC’s How to Get Away With Murder will also be honoured at the gala with the Point Leadership Award. Celebrity participants present will include Michelle Collins, Jack Falahee, Billy Gilman, and Conrad Ricamora.

Some of Point’s 85 current scholars and 217 alumni will be present at the event to share with the audience their inspiring stories about how they have overcome challenges to get their higher education degrees.

Louganis won gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games on both the springboard and platform. He is the only male and the second diver in Olympic history to sweep the diving events in consecutive Olympic Games.

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