FAI - Leonardo Da Vinci Diploma

FAI - Leonardo Da Vinci Diploma

This award was established in 1970 by the FAI and is presented once a year to an individual who has obtained the following:

  • Obtained at least 3 times consecutively, the title of National Parachuting Champion; or
  • Obtained at least once the title of Absolute Parachuting Champion and at least twice the title of Combined Champion at an International parachuting competition; or
  • Successfully fulfilled the function of Chief Judge at least twice at an international competition and at least once at a World parachuting Championship; or
  • Fulfilled at least 3 times consecutively the function of International Judge at a World Parachuting Championship; or
  • Established at least 3 World Parachuting Records; or
  • Fulfilled at least twice the function of Competition Director at an Int'l Parachuting Contest and at least once at a World Parachuting Championship; or
  • Been appointed President of Honour of the FAI Parachuting Commission, or served for at least 10 consecutive years and is still serving as national delegate to the FAI Parachuting Commission

2021 - Rina Gallo

As both a CSPA and United States Parachute Association (USPA) Judge, Rina has judged most Canadian and US National Championships since 1999. As member of the CSPA Competition and Judging Committees, and the Delegate for Canada for the ISC, her passion and commitment are a valued asset. Rina is quick to take on any task with a quiet, humble and vigorous work ethic. She consistently takes initiative to go above and beyond anything she takes on.

Over the years, she has taken her skydiving experience and judging career far beyond the borders of Canada and is now a force on the world stage. Not only is Rina a very active FAI Judge (FS, CF, SP, WS, CP), she is also the Chair if the CF Committee, a member of the Judges Committee where she is responsible for maintaining the International Judge Database and in 2020, Rina was elected to the ISC Bureau and holds the title of Vice-President.

Rina began her skydiving career in 1987 and while in Arizona on a skydiving holiday during the 1993 World RW Championships in Eloy, AZ, she experienced the contagious thrill and excitement of Competition Skydiving. As a result, she took the Judge’s Training Course and quickly advanced through Canada’s rigorous progression process to receive her first FAI Judge rating in 1995. Since that time, she has attended countless competitions in various capacities.

2010 - Barry McAuley

  • Successfully fulfilled the function of Chief Judge at least twice at an International competition and at least once at a World Parachuting Championships;
  • Fulfilled at least three times consecutively the function of International Judge at a World Parachuting Championships;
  • Served for at least 10 consecutive years and served as national delegate to the FAI Parachuting Commission.

1999 - Richard Bennett

Successfully fulfilled the function of Chief Judge at least twice at an International Parachuting Championships and at least once at a World Parachuting Championships; Fulfilled at least three times consecutively the function of International Judge at a World Parachuting Championships; served at least 10 consecutive years and is still serving as national delegate to the FAI Parachuting Commission.

1985 - Micheal J. Zahar

Obtained at least three times consecutively the title of National Parachuting Champion; obtained the title of Parachuting Champion at an International Parachuting Championships.

1979 - John Chemello

Fulfilled at least 3 times the function of International Judge at a World Parachuting Championships.