Volunteers outstanding achievements recognised at RYA AGM
by Emma Slater, RYA 23 Nov 2007 09:03 GMT
22 November 2007
HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, presented the annual RYA Community and RYA Awards at the 2007 RYA AGM, Thursday 22nd November at Church House, London.
A total of 60 awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as the Isle of Man to Plymouth.
The RYA Awards and Community Awards acknowledge the importance of volunteers within the sailing and boating communities. They recognise the outstanding contributions, time, effort and experience individuals have made to making it possible for others to enjoy boating and sailing, from establishing clubs, committee participation, to boat maintenance and training.
The 53 Community Awards were broken down into three categories recognising; Lifetime Commitment, Outstanding Contribution and Youth.
Since its conception last year, the youth category, which recognises voluntary work carried out by young people specifically, saw considerable growth, with six youth awards being given. These recognised the exceptional commitment of young people, despite the pressures of school, college and university life.
This year’s Francis Elkin award, which recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution, in time, effort and personal endeavour in enabling people with disabilities to become involved in sailing, was awarded to Rudyard Sailabilities Dennis Priebe.
Jackie Bennetts, Volunteer Development Officer, RYA said: “This years’ Awards have attracted a very high calibre of nominees with award winners putting in an average of 30 years service as volunteers for their clubs – one volunteer has given an incredible 50 years of volunteer services.
“Occasions like this allow us to fully recognise and celebrate the continuous hard work these people put in to our sport, many of which often go unnoticed – they really are the unsung heroes.”
All the winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.
Rod Carr Chief Executive of the RYA said: “The work and voluntary time that RYA Community Award and RYA Award winners put into our sport is simply astounding. Every one of the 60 award winners has exceeded the reasonable expectations of their fellow volunteers, club members and the boating community in general. Without their sheer hard work, commitment, and expertise our sport would be immeasurably poorer.
These people are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their work through these awards.”