Amateur radio provides a vital public service in times of need, such as after a natural disaster. It also provides opportunities for casual operating and fun-filled activities.

Many hams chase DX stations and strive to earn awards for confirmed contacts with 100 or more countries. Others strive to make contacts and earn award certificates from special event stations. Two popular annual special events are the 13 Colonies Event held the first week of July each year and the Route 66 On-the-Air Event held annually in the late summer or early fall. Both are popular with hams and make colorful certificates available to participants.

Also, logging services, national and regional amateur groups, various ham clubs, equipment manufacturers and others sponsor contests and special events throughout the year. There is always something happening in amateur radio.

This page showcases some awards and certificates earned by area hams who participated in contests and/or special events. A separate page, QSL Cards, showcases some favorite QSL cards received by local hams.

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AREA HAM EXCELS IN JULY, 2025 WWA SPRINT

Ron Klowden – W9GOL is a local Treasure Coast ham who enjoys contesting. He recently participated in the July, 2025 World Wide Awards (WWA) Sprint competition and achieved outstanding results.

The WWA Sprint is a challenge to make contact with WWA activator stations in as many different countries as possible. Rules and information about the WWA Sprint are available on the contest website: WWA Sprint.

The July 2025 WWA Sprint featured 525 world-wide activator stations and 65,747 world-wide hunter stations. 15,118 of the hunter stations were located In the United States.

Ron wrote us, “The WWA Sprint is one of my favorite contests. It’s the most organized website and event I have ever participated in. I’ve worked it for several years, but this year I earned my highest event score ever.”

The award certificates below tell the story. Ron placed #9 out of 1,680 United States participants in the single band 20-meter CW category and #22 out of 15,118 participants in the United States in the All Bands Mixed Mode competition.

Way to go, Ron! Congratulations on a job well done!

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