Francois Fournier – Athlete/Builder

From an early age, Francois Fournier was involved in athletics. He started out as a member of the Prince Albert Gymnastics Club at the age of seven. By the time he was 15 he would place in the top three as an all-around gymnast in various meets including two seconds and one third place finish.

However, his accolades in athletics didn’t stop with gymnastics. He was also a keen competitor with the Prince Albert Polar Bear Swim Club with many first to third place ribbons to show for his hard work.
In basketball, he helped his St. Mary High School team win a city and provincial championship. In addition, his Molson Canadian Men’s Basketball Team claimed the Molson’s Northern Classic Championship in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Fournier also served as a basketball referee for many years and was awarded the Clayton Shaw Basketball Association Referee of the Year award for his commitment to excellence.
Fournier was one of the driving forces who helped resurrect competitive swimming in Prince Albert in the mid 70’s. As co-coach of the Prince Albert Kinsmen Aquatic Association (PAKAA), Fournier saw nine of his 14 swimmers qualify for provincials in their very first year. By the end of the second year, the PAKAA advanced from a fifth place ranking in Northern Saskatchewan to first.
In addition to swimming, Fournier also completed his diving level 1 instructor course and passed on his knowledge to young divers as he coached them in the sport.
As a builder, Fournier was instrumental in bringing a water show to Memorial Pool for residents of Prince Albert to enjoy. There were demonstrations on everything from swimming, to diving to lifeguarding and speed swimming. It was at this water show that the World Famous Flying Tanks were born. This group would go on to entertain at water shows across Saskatchewan in the 70’s and 80’s. They were well known for their skits and crazy, non-stop stunt dives.
On the national front, Fournier served as Vice President, Canadian Amateur Diving Association; 1981-1985. During this time, Fournier also helped implement a marketing campaign for Canadian Diver and Olympic gold medalist, Sylvie Bernier.
Fournier was a member of the organizing committee for the 1989 Canada Summer Games diving competition and chairman of the 1990 National Diving Championships. He was recognized for his work by the Canadian Amateur Diving Association and presented with an award as an athlete and a builder.
Internationally, Fournier was the chairman of the Dive Canada International meet and received a certificate of merit for his work as an announcer at Universiade in 1983.
Locally, Fournier served his community of Prince Albert as a member of city council and a Director with the Prince Albert Raiders.