Through over fifty years of involvement with swimming, Albert Ford enjoyed a remarkable and unique career.

In the 1920’s, the United States dominated the world swimming scene and Albert Ford was one of the few Canadians to beat American competitors at international events. From 1924-29 Ford dominated swimming events and set numerous records in Manitoba. He captured national titles in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle in 1926 and the 440 yard freestyle in 1928. Up until 1924 the Red River YMCA 3 Mile Swim had been won exclusively by Americans. But from 1924-29 Ford reigned supreme, setting new records each year. He repeated as Champion in 1931 and 1934 also. Ford was elected to the national team for the 1936 Olympic Games but family and work commitments, combined with the difficult times in the world, prevented him from going.

Following his competitive career, Ford thrust his energies into the organizational end of the sport. In 1942 he was elected President of the Manitoba Section of the Canadian Amateur Swimming Association (CASA). In his two year stint as president, he helped institute swimming instruction in the school system and established clubs in the rural areas.

In 1953, Ford was elected President of the national body of the CASA and was re-elected in 1954. During the latter year he was heavily involved in the Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. As chairman of the Aquatic Committee for the 1967 Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg, Ford was a leading proponent of the roof for the Pan-Am Pool, making the world-class facility a year round venture. He was also the original Director for the Aquatic Hall of Fame and Museum of Canada Inc.

A life-member of the CASA, Albert Ford was named swimmer-of-the-half-century by the Manitoba Sports Federation in recognition of his devotion to the sport he loves.