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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GIVEN TO IVAN BALABANOV AT THE 2017 AWMA IPO CHAMPIONSHIP
There are several longstanding and important contributors to the success of the working Malinois in the United States. Their commitment has been both vital to the growth of the Malinois within the sport, as well as the prominence of the breed as a winning dog. They have reflected well on the breed and this organization and should be recognized for their efforts.
A lifetime achievement award is an excellent way for this organization to demonstrate thanks and offer recognition to the people who have made a positive impact on the breed and the sport.
Ivan Balabanov is one such person. Over the past 20 years Mr. Balabanov has committed himself to the working Malinois. As a competitor he has won numerous championships, represented the US expertly in international competition and consistently demonstrated the breed’s unique and compelling nature in competition. As a breeder he has produced countless dogs that have gone on not only to earn titles, but win championships themselves.
His contribution is longstanding, his impact tremendous. Bestowing the inaugural AWMA Lifetime Achievement Award upon him sets a high bar for those to come.

Welcome
The American Working Malinois Association (AWMA) is a non-profit working dog club developed to promote and preserve the working Malinois in accordance with the FCI standard. In its country of origin, Belgium, the Malinois is one of four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog distinguished by coat (Malinois, Laekenois, Groenendael, Tervuren). The AWMA is focusing on the Malinois while supporting the participation of the other Belgian breeds in the US.
As a member of the Federation Mondio Berge Belge (FMBB), the world union for the working Belgian Shepherd Dog, the AWMA sends dog/handler teams in IPO to compete internationally at the prestigious Belgian Shepherd World Championships. The AWMA collaborates with the American Belgian Malinois Club and the other Belgian breeds to send an agility team and the United States Mondioring Association to send a mondioring team to this event. AWMA is also a full member of the American Working Dog Federation (AWDF).
It is the intent of the AWMA to preserve proper working ability and soundness in character and structure through the promotion of local clubs and national events that support IPO training, seminars, and working trials. The AWMA welcomes dogs of all breeds and fully supports the promotion of the sport throughout the United States.
To receive further information on how you can become a member of the AWMA, or if you are interested in forming an AWMA club, contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., President
LINK TO THE FCI UTILITY (IPO and MONDIO) RULES: www.fci.be/en/Reglements-6/Utility-Dogs-58.html
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