2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 247
Commending Jon Phillip Lugbill.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2025
WHEREAS, Jon Phillip Lugbill, a multi-world champion whitewater canoe slalom racer and the founding executive director of the nonprofit organization Sports Backers in Richmond, retires on June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Jon Lugbill moved to Fairfax County at a young age and graduated from the former Lanier Intermediate School, Oakton High School, and the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Jon Lugbill began canoeing in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in the 1970s and then, from 1979 to 1991, became one of the most dominant whitewater canoe slalom racers the sport has ever seen; and
WHEREAS, Jon Lugbill's racing accolades at the International Canoe Federation's Canoe Slalom World Championships include five gold medals in the C1 men's individual event and seven consecutive gold medals in the C1 team event, and he additionally won three consecutive overall titles in the International Canoe Federation's season-long Canoe Slalom World Cup beginning with the inaugural season in 1988; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, Jon Lugbill took the helm of Sports Backers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting active lifestyles and enhancing the health and well-being of the Greater Richmond community through various events, programs, and initiatives; and
WHEREAS, over the past 32 years, Jon Lugbill has instilled a culture of excellence at Sports Backers that has enabled the nonprofit to become one of the most successful organizations of its kind in the nation and the impetus behind some of the Richmond region's most beloved events, including Dominion Energy Riverrock and the Richmond Marathon; and
WHEREAS, under Jon Lugbill's tenure, Sports Backers was named Member of the Year an unprecedented four times by what is today the Sports Events and Tourism Association; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, Leadership Metro Richmond recognized Jon Lugbill for his exceptional servant leadership and vision by presenting him with the organization's Ukrop Community Vision Award; and
WHEREAS, with great passion and enthusiasm, Jon Lugbill has built Sports Backers into one of the most influential and transformative organizations in the Richmond region, leaving a legacy that will inspire Richmonders and Virginians alike for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Jon Phillip Lugbill hereby be commended for his extraordinary service and commitment to the Richmond community on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jon Phillip Lugbill as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his contributions to Richmond and the Commonwealth and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.