The Mayor's Cup Regatta & Festival Committee is pleased to announce that Gordie Little has been named the 2016 "Spirit of Ianelli" Award honoree.
 
The "Spirit of Ianelli" Award was established in 2010 in honor of the late Mayor John Ianelli, former Mayor of the City of Plattsburgh and co-founder of the Mayor’s Cup Regatta in 1977. This honor is bestowed upon an individual – sailor or landlubber – who exemplifies the same “community does matter” spirit that inspired Mayor Ianelli 38 years ago, empowering our lake community to thrive, not only on race day, but every day.
 
Sunrise Rotary’s Mayor’s Cup Co-Chair Joanne K. Dahlen said that selecting Gordie Little as this year’s honoree was an easy decision to make. “We only wish we had the opportunity to present Gordie the award in person and not posthumously,” said Joanne.
 
According to the City of Plattsburgh Mayor Calnon, the “Spirit of Ianelli” Award Ceremony was originally scheduled to take place immediately following the Mayor’s Cup Regatta BBQ on Saturday afternoon, July 9th.  However, the Mayor's Cup Regatta & Festival Committee has changed the time and location because of the unique nature of this year’s award recipient. “There has been an outpouring of emotional support for Gordie Little and his family since his sudden death was announced last week,” said Mayor Calnon. “We want to give the entire community the opportunity to pay tribute to Gordie with a moment of silence.  Members of Gordie’s family, including his wife Kaye and daughter Diane Wright, will be on stage to receive the “Spirit of Ianelli” Award on behalf of Gordie Little at the opening of the free, outdoor concert at the MacDonough Monument Bandshell at City Hall Place, in the City of Plattsburgh, at 8pm on Mayor’s Cup Saturday, July 9, 2016.”
 
The past honorees of the "Spirit of Ianelli" Award include:
2015-  Local Law Enforcement
2014 – Kit and Sally Booth
2013 - Bob Wallet
2012 – Roger Harwood
2011 – Matt Spiegel
2010 – Bob Pooler