Six chosen for Waterman Hall of Fame award

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — There are so many activities you can do on the water including surfing, diving, fishing, or even sailing.

The Wrightsville Beach Museum created the Waterman Hall of Fame to recognize those who have influenced water sports at New Hanover County beaches.

“I’m ecstatic,” recipient Tony Silvangi said.

Silvangi is one of the six people soon to be noted as a part of our area’s history.

“We wanted to celebrate those who love the water and did water sports but who also contributed to the community,” Museum Executive Director Madeline Flager.

The Waterman Hall of Fame was created three years ago.

It is intended to be a lasting tribute for the achievements of New Hanover County watermen and women who have shaped this community and its relationship with the water.

“Many of the people who are in the Waterman Hall of Fame are wonderful role models and mentors and we wanted to celebrate that,” Flager said.

Flager says this is a way to capture more recent history.

“Having people that younger kids can look up to is very important,” Flager said.

Silvangi says people like Ben Bourgeois, Will Allison, and Bill Curry, who are already on the list, paved the way for him to be so involved.

“It was really awesome to find out that I will be amongst those names and many others local athletes in the Wrightsville Beach area,” Silvangi said.

He grew up in Kure Beach and says he has dedicated his life to surfing and his community.

“People make friendships that way because all of the other younger athletes try to join in together with other friends and it’s such a great family sport,” Silvangi said.

Flager says we are building the community closer thanks to role models like Silvangi.

“We are setting a goal all the other younger surfers and athletes in our area,” Silvangi said.

There will be a celebration to honor the recipients on September 25 at the Blockade Runner.