Eco Challenge Awards to be presented at Dinghy Show

by Emma Slater on 22 Feb 2011 The Volvo Eco Challenge has been successfully awarding funding for environmental projects to sports clubs for the last three years. Volvo Car UK Eco Ambassador, Chris Packham was part of the 2010 judging panel and will be presenting the top winners at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show on Saturday 5 March at 13.30 on the Volvo main stage (West Hall).

Helensburgh Sailing Club in Scotland is the overall winner for 2010 after submitting a project focusing on water usage at their club. The £5,000 awarded to them will help develop a system to capture and store rainwater- the water will be used to supply all non-drinking water saving the club energy and cutting costs over a long period. Runners-up, South Staffordshire Sailing Club, Ripon Sailing Club and Papercourt Sailing Club will also be awarded with their eco grants at the show.

Chris Packham was impressed with the calibre of applications received 'In 2010 we have seen some really original and interesting entries for the Volvo Eco Challenge. The kids have shown a nice awareness for green issues at their clubs and they really want to make a difference which is refreshing to see. I am looking forward to the projects developing and seeing great results from the Eco Challenge funding'.

The Eco Challenge is aimed at young people aged between 8-16 years of age. To apply for an eco-grant for their sports club, the youngsters had to submit a project which focused on one or more of the five categories: Energy Saving & Resource Efficiency, Waste & Recycling, Water, Wildlife and Biodiversity or a Green Event.

For more information on the Eco Challenge and to talk green issue at your sailing club head to the Volvo RYA Youth stand (West Hall, F38) to meet Chris and fellow eco judges including Volvo’s environmental consultant, Don Potts.

Chris will also be launching the RYA’s new ‘Go Green!’ book about marine conservation at 1600 on the Volvo main stage.

www.dinghyshow.org.uk