Jon Lugbill Honored by the virginia general assembly and virginia state senate

Last week, Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers, was honored by the Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia State Senate with House Resolution No. 577. Jon, who is retiring in June after 32 years with Sports Backers, was recognized for his efforts to make Richmond more active, as well as for his personal success as a whitewater canoe slalom racer. Both the House and Senate commended Jon for his extraordinary service and commitment to the Richmond community while celebrating his upcoming retirement.

Jon’s early life and paddling career

Jon spent most of his childhood in Fairfax County and graduated from the University of Virginia. He began canoeing in the 1970s and, from 1979 to 1991, became a dominant force in the whitewater canoe slalom racing scene.

His accolades include five gold medals in the C1 men’s individual event at the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Slalom World Championships, seven consecutive gold medals in the C1 team event, and three consecutive overall titles in the International Canoe Federation’s season-long Canoe Slalom World Cup, beginning with its inaugural season in 1988. After competing in the Olympics, he famously graced the front of a Wheaties box.

Under Jon’s leadership, Sports Backers has been named Member of the Year four times by the Sports Events and Tourism Association. In 2024, Leadership Metro Richmond honored him with the Ukrop’s Community Vision Award.

Jon’s work at sports backers

Jon joined Sports Backers in 1993 and, over the past 32 years, has shaped the culture of the nonprofit, transforming it into one of the nation’s most successful active living organizations. Under his leadership, Sports Backers has created some of the region’s most iconic and impactful events, including Dominion Energy Riverrock, the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon, and the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K presented by Kroger.

Thanks to his efforts, Sports Backers has expanded to include various programs and initiatives that provide safe and accessible opportunities for an active lifestyle for all residents of Richmond and the Tri-Cities. His advocacy for improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure, including the creation of the Fall Line trail through Bike Walk RVA, has helped make the region safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Through the Fitness Warriors program, he has ensured that free fitness classes are available at numerous locations across the region and has empowered hundreds of individuals to become fitness instructors in their communities. Additionally, with Kids On The Move, Sports Backers has supported Title I schools by providing training, free race entries, and free shoes to encourage students to embrace fitness.

Through his passion and vision, Jon has transformed the Richmond region. His leadership at Sports Backers has solidified the organization as one of the most influential active living nonprofits in the country, and his legacy will continue to impact Richmonders and visitors for years to come.