Sports all-stars who have made a positive impact on the lives of Greenwich’s youth were honored at Greenwich Historical Society’s History in the Making Award event on October 12th. Funds from the sold-out evening at the Belle Haven Club will support Historical Society education programs. Two-time NBA-All Star Allan Houston received the History in the Making Award for his enormous contributions to improving the lives of children throughout the country. Barbara and Ray Dalio, the 2021 History in the Making honorees, presented the award to Houston. Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the NHL’s New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Islanders, conducted a fireside chat with Houston.
Barbara Dalio, Allan Houston, Ray Dalio, Jon Ledecky. Photo: Big Picture/Bob Capazzo
Houston underscored the importance of sports and aspirational values for youth in the on-stage chat with Ledecky, citing sports as one of the greatest metaphors of life for children. “It teaches them how to win in life.” He pointed to the five fundamentals of faith, integrity, sacrifice, leadership and legacy, which has guided his life and is central to his work with youth through his foundation and social impact brand FISLL, as opportunity principles. “We try to instill values that are applicable to their lives today and give them the inspiration to move forward.”
“I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the Dalios and other larger-than-life individuals who have been honored with this award,” says Houston. “My greatest satisfaction in life is from providing a foundation for young people to reach their full potential. This award is a testament to the impact my colleagues at FISLL and the Legacy Foundation are having with our country’s children.”
Ten Greenwich coaches who were singled out by their peers for excellence in influencing the lives of student athletes were presented with awards by Olympic Hall of Famer and Greenwich resident Donna de Varona. Career Achievement awards were presented to Nick Cavataro, Greenwich YWCA; Pat Coleman Greenwich Youth Lacrosse; Sarah Hill, Sacred Heart Greenwich; Katie Johnson, Greenwich Academy; Steve Lapham, Greenwich High School; Terry Lowe, Greenwich High School; Bill Smith, Greenwich Youth Water Polo, and Jim Stephens, Brunswick School. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Angela Tammaro, Greenwich Academy, and posthumously to Jack Jepson, Greenwich Country Day School.
Lifetime achievement award recipient Angela Tammaro commented: “I am very honored to be a recipient of the Greenwich Historical Society Lifetime Achievement Award. The experience of a career in athletics and working with so many wonderful people has been very rewarding and an experience that I would not trade. With all that athletics and a career in teaching have given me, I have always felt that it was important to give back as well. Over the years, I have enjoyed my volunteer activities in athletics – administratively, coaching and umpiring.”
History in the Making Honors history makers of our time
Established in 2003, History in the Making recognizes outstanding individuals from the community who are the history makers of our time for having made a positive impact on the region and the world, and to provide a forum for learning about their thought-provoking ideas and perspectives. In conjunction with the recent Historical Society exhibition, Sports! More Than Just a Game, this year’s event was dedicated to the vibrant history of Greenwich sports, and the athletes and coaches who have impacted Greenwich’s past and future. Allan Houston follows a long and impressive list of individuals who have been honored with the History in the Making Award. In addition to Ray and Barbara Dalio, other awardees include Indra Nooyi, Derek Boothby, Thomas Foley, Curt Welling, Marie and Charlene Von Saher and Lewis Lehrman.
Proceeds from the event support the Historical Society’s exhibitions and education programs which are at the heart of Greenwich Historical Society’s mission. A longstanding partnership with Title I schools has brought high-quality arts and history education to more than 3,600 students since its inception.
Allan Houston is the N.Y. Knicks Vice President of Player Leadership and Development, and all- around powerhouse in the sports industry. A consummate athlete, he is a two-time NBA all-star with a 12-year playing tenure with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. He was a member of the gold-medal winning U.S. Men’s Basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics. His impact extends beyond the court through the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation and FISLL which he founded to support underserved youth, families and communities nationwide through its strategic partnerships, coaching clinics, fatherhood and family programming. FISLL is also a social impact brand whose purpose is to engage, equip, inspire and outfit people to live better, lead better and perform better. It is named for the Five Fundamentals of faith, integrity, sacrifice, leadership and legacy for which he credits his success as an athlete and in life.
Houston’s local community involvement in Greenwich and surrounding communities in Stamford and New York has supported youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and Kids in Crisis. In recognition of his outstanding contributions locally and nationally, he was awarded the President’s Council on Service and Engagement Award from the Obama Administration.
Houston earned a Bachelor of Arts in African American studies from the University of Tennessee. He and his wife Tamara and their seven children have lived in Greenwich for over two decades.