Team 57's "Daniel" award is the highest honor that a Team 57 member can win. 

The award was created in the summer of 2009 and was named after my late father Daniel Rea, who loved the sport of fishing.

Dad was about "Family, Friends, Fun & Fishing" and no matter what, he always made sure his family came first. I still keep in touch with many of his old friends and I have recently discovered that most, if not all, regarded him as their best friend.

Indeed, Dad was a friend to many. He made sure to find time for everyone and was always the first to extend a helping hand to those who needed it.

Heading out to go fishing in the early morning hours was "fun" for my Dad. On the very few occasions where he was not fortunate enough to catch a fish, he would never complain, but instead would come home with a grin from ear to ear.

It was his time on the water with friends, doing what he loved, that was important. Fish or no fish, Dad just loved the adventure. It was that simple.

When he discovered the internet he had finally found a way to fill the void of not being able to head out as often as he'd like to. He started "going fishing" again, by reading through all of the fishing reports of others who had found the time to experience the outdoor recreation that he enjoyed so much.

As his age and deteriorating health held him back, it was in a sense, the only way he could spend "time on the water" anymore.

The inaugural winner of this award and it's only winner so far, is Arthur Lai.

Also known as "Wingnut", Arthur exemplifies what Team 57 is all about and exactly what my Dad was all about. "Family, Friends, Fun & Fishing".

The Team 57 "Daniel" has only been awarded once. It is not an "annual award" and I'm not sure if it will ever be awarded again.

Congratulations Arthur!