Sportsmanship Award

Ted Torok was a friend of yours whether or not you actually knew him, because Ted was a friend of
ballooning. As a charter member of the Great Eastern Balloon Association, Ted was influential in the
success GEBA enjoyed in its early years. Ted was an officer and hard worker for the association. Ted,
together with Jacques Soukup, wrote the by-laws of GEBA. He was a husband, father, grandfather, PAD
engineer, certified dog show judge, expert wine maker, and nationally ranked in the Masons.

Ted had definite ideas of what ballooning and balloonists should be like. It wasn’t necessary to believe
exactly what he believed to know his motivation was to benefit ballooning. If it was good for ballooning,
Ted was for it. If it was bad for ballooning he was clear in his objection. Although his time with GEBA was
short, he had a profound influence on the character and goals of the club.

Description of the Torok Award: This award will be presented to a member of GEBA who best
exemplifies the true meaning of sportsmanship and has made a positive contribution to the sport of
ballooning. Nominations will be accepted in writing from any member and will be selected by the five
previous winners of the award. This award will be presented at the annual awards dinner.

2011 Winners of Ted Torok Sportmanship Award
Dick & Mary Beth Young

Past Winners