Nominations open for RYA Volunteer Awards 2015

by Susie NationGrainger on 24 Jan 2015 The RYA has officially begun the search for this year’s most inspirational volunteers by opening nominations for the 2015 RYA Volunteer Awards.

These long-standing awards recognise the outstanding contributions made to our sport by volunteers throughout the UK and are divided into two categories: the RYA Awards and RYA Community Awards alongside two stand-alone awards; the Francis Elkin Award and the RYA Family Award.

RYA Sport Development Manager Duncan Truswell explains: 'The RYA Volunteer Awards are all about celebrating and recognising the commitment of the countless volunteers who do fantastic work to support our sports. These people are the lifeblood of our sport; they keep our sailing clubs, events and our organisations thriving and make it possible for others to get out on the water.'

All award winners and their guests will be invited to a special presentation ceremony and luncheon.

Back in November, 47 winners were honoured for their exceptional generosity and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate by HRH The Princess Royal.

Jo Norrington was presented with a family award along with her parents. She said: 'I didn’t realise that this award existed! Once it sank in I realised that I felt very honoured to be chosen both as an individual and as part of my family'.

Nottinghamshire County Sailing Club’s John Marshall was awarded an RYA Outstanding Commitment Award. He said: 'We were flabbergasted to win these awards, it's not something you expect at all, you just get on and do things and suddenly you find you've got this award so it was a big surprise.'

To find out more information about the awards and to make a nomination please click here.

Nominations must be from a RYA affiliated club, centre, association or region and must be with the RYA by 5pm on the 27th April 2015.