Volunteers recognised by Welsh Yachting Association
by Hamish Stuart, Welsh Yachting Association 5 Mar 2014 16:31 GMT
15-16 February 2014
WYA's Big Weekend saw recognition for a host of clubs and volunteers across Wales for their remarkable contributions to the sport.
RYA Chief Executive Sarah Treseder was among 100 guests at the Plas Menai National Watersports centre and North Wales played a strong part in the awards evening.
Port Dinorwic, just a few miles from Plas Menai, could boast the winners of the both the coach of the year and young coach of the year categories, mother of two Jo Powell being recognised for her work developing family based sailing while 17-year-old Jack Wild was recognised for spending more than 10 hours a week coaching all ages and abilities.
Powys had a clean sweep of the club awards with the participation club of the year going to Llangorse Sailing Club in the Brecon Beacons, while Clywedog Sailing Club were the performance club of the year.
The outstanding contribution awards went to three very worthy winners. 85-year-old Harry Bainbridge has given more than 50 years of his life to help Gresford sailing club near Wrexham.
Bill Jackson has been a big part of Llandegfedd sailing club in Monmouthshire for 25 years and still coaches actively at club and at regional level, while Julian Bridges, a stalwart of Port Dinorwic, was recognised for 25 years of voluntary work as well as still being an active coach there.
Steven Morgan, WYA Chief Executive, said, "This is one of the most important things we do as a National Governing Body".
"I am always in awe of the time and dedication volunteers put into their clubs, without them our sport would not grow and develop. This is why we run these awards to recognise the work of our clubs and the unsung heroes who volunteer across Wales.
"We had an incredibly strong list of winners once again and it was fantastic to give these people and clubs some recognition for the work they do."