ACBL Unit 253
Sportsperson of the Year Co-Winner – 2024
Marty Nathan
Marty, a Diamond Life Master, is widely recognized as an excellent, fair-minded bridge player. Whether at a club game or tournament, he treats both his partners and the opponents with respect and courtesy. As an ACBL Director, he is very knowledgeable of the rules and procedures of the game and is consistently fair and ethical. His dry sense of humor is always welcome at and away from the table.
In addition to bringing a strong sense of fair play to the game, Marty has given back to the Atlanta bridge community for many years through his leadership at the Unit level, serving as Unit President, as well as working as the Treasurer for Regional and NABC tournaments in Atlanta.
Marty will be able to play for free in all events sponsored by the DBAA in 2024.
ACBL Unit 253
Sportsperson of the Year Co-Winner – 2024
Jim Stogner
Jim Stogner, a Platinum Life Master, has played bridge in Atlanta for over 40 years and has, to my knowledge, never raised his voice. He is always kind and jovial with his opponents and often self-deprecating. He is quick to respond to questions from less experienced players but never offers comments unless asked. Jim was a member of the Broadview Bulls softball team.
As a co-winner of the Sportsman of the Year award for 2023, Jim will be able to play for free in all events sponsored by the DBAA in 2024.
The Duplicate Bridge Association of Altanta (DBAA) has established an annual award for the Sportsperson of the Year (SPOTY). This person is honored for their admirable ethical behavior and strong sense of fair play over an extended period of time, and for their outstanding pleasant and gracious comportment at the table.
The award is available to any member of the DBAA regardless of their level of advancement in bridge. Each year the SPOTY will be awarded free plays for all of the DBAA Sectional tournaments in the following calendar year and a certificate so stating. In addition, his/her name will be added to a large plaque to be displayed with all the DBAA honorees. Nominations are accepted from any DBAA member in the early Fall of each year. More information about this procedure is available in the DBAA Policies and Procedures manual and from the current SPOTY Chair, Rich Brody.
All DBAA (Unit 253 members) who were honored with this award while members of Unit 114 have been accepted as Unit 253 honorees. Please know that the criteria for this award was changed in 2016 and no longer reflects service to the Unit or bridge acumen as was previously required.
DBAA SPORTSPERSONS OF THE YEAR
2024 - Marty Nathan & Jim Stogner
2022 - Virginia Saul
2019 - Bob Simkins
2018 - Jane Melby
2017 - Arnold Hawkins
2016 - Bert Ward
2013 - Mike Sheldon
2012 - Priscilla Smith & Ron Torre
2011 - Mike Kovacich
2010 - Josie Mitchell
2009 - Carey Snider
2007 - Claudia Feagin
2001 - Chuck Whidden
2000 - Patty Tucker
1998 - Bob Heller
1996 - Peggy Trosper
1995 - Peggy Hayslip
1990 - Kevin Collins
1989 - Lou Bluhm
1986 - Kathy Whidden
1985 - Sara Medlin
1983 - Jack Feagin
1982 - Dr. Roger Roemmich
1980 - Helen Salomons
1979 - Myldred Kelly
1978 - Steve Willis
1975 - Bob Duval
1974 - Mrs. Frank English