River Lions to Honour Ben Zwolak Through Yearly Community Ambassador Award

This announcement comes after the tragic passing of River Lion’s team manager, Ben Zwolak from Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) at the young age of 21. Ben’s father Jeff Zwolak has been an Assistant Coach with the team for the past two seasons. 

While Ben’s involvement with the organization was for a short time, he was an integral part of it, and his passing was deeply felt by front office staff, players, coaches and fans of the organization.  

Ben had a natural comfort interacting with youth and persons of special needs and was on the path to pursue a teaching career through his studies at McGill University. He dedicated countless hours as a camp counsellor, a youth basketball coach and a proud-serving Supie with the City of Hamilton where he ran youth recreation programs in parks across the city. He also took part on multiple mission trips to impoverished regions of the Dominican Republic. 

As a successful multi-sport athlete and a recipient of several awards in academics and community service, Ben had a profound impact both on and off the field or court. He served as the team manager at McGill University for the Men’s Varsity Basketball Team as well as the River Lions during the 2020 Canadian Elite Basketball League Summer Series. 

All in all, Ben epitomized what the organization looks for in selecting a recipient of the award. 

“From the outpouring of support seen from past classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, friends, family, and members of the community, it is evident that Ben touched the lives of so many people,” said President, Jeffrey Sotiriou. “While our organization will greatly miss Ben, honouring him through this award is a natural fit that will allow us to remember him each and every year and the commitment he made to youth and the community.”