The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is pleased to announce that Marcos Van Dorn will become the first Chaplain ever appointed by ISHOF. The ISHOF Board of Directors and the City of Fort Lauderdale approved the relationship in a formal document on April 4th, the day before the official groundbreaking for the renovation of the Aquatic Center.
“ISHOF’s mission stresses the importance of sharing cultures, which naturally extends to the support of all beliefs and faiths,” said Brent Rutemiller – ISHOF CEO.
“As ISHOF’s Chaplin, we will serve a diversity of beliefs through a multi-faith chaplaincy and its relationship to numerous religious life affiliates. I am very pleased to be able to help with the spiritual needs of all the great people that come to ISHOF and the aquatic center from all parts of the world,” said Van Dorn.
Office of the Chaplain
The Office of the Chaplain of the International Swimming Hall of Fame seeks to support a diversity of beliefs through the multi-faith character of the chaplaincy and its relationship to numerous religious life affiliates. We acknowledge the importance of faith, both in our individual and collective lives, and strive to provide opportunities for members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame community to express and explore their faith in a supportive community. The core work of chaplaincy is rooted in the care of the whole person – body, soul and spirit. As such, a key aspect of our office is to make available pastoral care and advice for any member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame – athletes, coaches, families and staff. This can happen through worship services, individual counsel, programming on critical spiritual themes, intervention in medical emergencies, mortality concerns and presiding at key life rituals.
In the Office of the Chaplain we want to expand religious literacy and broaden knowledge of other spiritualties, as well as promote interfaith dialogue and religious ideas that are reflective of our diverse community.
About
The Office of the Chaplain is committed to cultivating a spiritually formative environment for the International Swimming Hall of Fame community through worship practices, spiritual mentorship, pastoral care, and through faith resources.
Mark G. “Marcos” Van Dorn leads the ISHOF Office of the Chaplain. He is the Lead Pastor of Florida Faith Church, a multicultural community “Living Faith For Real People”.
He is a father, family man, friend and extreme sports enthusiast. Mark was born in New Jersey and he and his wife Olga have been an integral part of our South Florida community for over 19 years. Van Dorn spent a large part of his life living between Denver, Colorado and Madrid, Spain. His wife is from Caceres, Spain. He can often be found kayaking, scuba diving or surfing in South Florida. Mark spent the first 40-years of his life focused on education, business, language and culture, earning degrees including a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate in Business Administration. In 2013, Mark received his Master of Divinity degree. He has held executive and administrative positions with state universities and within private and public business enterprise. Mark’s wife, Olga is a journalist for NBC Telemundo. Mark and Olga have a beautiful daughter named Gloria.
Care Sessions
- Crisis care including hospital visits and funerals
- On-site sessions to discuss personal, family, marriage and emotional needs
Privacy
- Confidential
- Permission-based
- Participation is always voluntary
About ISHOF
The International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. (ISHOF), established in 1965, is a not-for-profit educational organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Recognized by FINA in 1968 as the “Official Repository for Aquatic History”, its primary goal is to preserve the history of swimming, celebrate the heroes, promote the benefits and importance of swimming as a key to fitness, good health, quality of life, and the water safety. In 2018, ISHOF merged with Sports Publications Inc, the media group behind Swimming World website and magazine, to expand its reach and impact. Show your support for the sport of swimming by becoming a member of ISHOF.
International Swimming Hall of Fame Vision Statement
To be the global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics, promoting swimming as an essential life-skill, and developing educational programs and events related to water sports.
International Swimming Hall of Fame Mission Statement
To collaborate with aquatic organizations worldwide to preserve, educate and celebrate history, showcase events, share cultures, and increase participation in aquatic sports.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, incorporated in the State of Florida. Contributions to ISHOF are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. ISHOF’s tax identification number is 59-1087179. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR FROM THE WEBSITE, www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. You can find out more about us on guidestar.org under International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc.
