INAF Lifetime Achievement Award

Each year, the INAF Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting impacts on the culture and sport of Go throughout North America, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the Go community.

Past Awardees

2025 – Andrew Okun

We are proud to announce that Andrew Okun has received 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and contributions to Go in North America. Okun began playing Go in 2002 and served as President of the American Go Association (AGA) from 2012 to 2022. During his term, he helped the AGA navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting virtual U.S. Go Congresses in 2020 and 2021 and facilitating a return to in-person events in 2022. He was also known for encouraging volunteers and directors, emphasizing that the quality of each Congress mattered more than financial concerns.

Okun also played a key role in developing professional Go in North America. He worked with Myungwan Kim (9P) to start the AGA’s professional qualification tournaments in 2012 and later helped found the North American Go Federation (NAGF), which supports cooperation between the AGA and the Canadian Go Association. Internationally, he helped establish INAF and now serves as Anti-Doping Officer for the International Go Federation (IGF), preparing Go for potential Olympic inclusion. His lasting impact on Go at both national and international levels makes him a deserving recipient of this honor.

2024 – Sam Zimmerman

We proudly recognize Sam Zimmerman as the recipient of the 2024 INAF Lifetime Achievement Award. A cornerstone of the Go community in Baltimore, Maryland, Sam has dedicated many years to leading and nurturing the local Go club, creating an inclusive space for players of all ages and skill levels. In 1986, he took a pioneering step in advancing the game by releasing Tele-Tsuke, the first software that enabled remote Go play, thus laying the groundwork for our vibrant virtual Go community today.

Sam’s exceptional organizational skills were evident as he directed the main tournament at the US Go Congress and took the helm at the 1997 congress in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His influence extends beyond these events, as he has been instrumental in supporting numerous other congresses throughout the years. Colleague Keith Arnold attests to Sam’s enduring kindness and patience, stating that no one has contributed more to the success of U.S. Go Congresses than Sam Zimmerman. His legacy is marked by his passion, dedication, and profound love for the game of Go.

2023 – Terry Benson

Terry Benson accepting the INAF Award, on the left

We are thrilled to honor Terry Benson as the recipient of the 2023 INAF Lifetime Achievement Award. Terry’s journey with Go began in 1960, but it wasn’t until 1975 that he connected with the American Go Association (AGA). By 1976, he had already risen to the role of editor-in-chief of the American Go Journal and president of the AGA. During his remarkable twelve-year tenure as president, Terry transformed the AGA into a truly national organization, fostering a sense of community and growth across the country.

Terry’s contributions to American Go extend far beyond his leadership role. Notably, he played a key part in supporting Haskell Small’s efforts to organize the very first U.S. Go Congress, setting the stage for what has become a cherished tradition. As a founding member and leader of the American Go Foundation, Terry has significantly impacted the demographics of American Go, raising and distributing over $900,000 to promote youth participation in the game. This funding has been instrumental in driving engagement, particularly among younger players at the Congress. Remarkably, Terry is one of only two individuals who have attended every U.S. Go Congress, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and passion for the game.