RYA commences search for inspirational volunteers

by Susie NationGrainger on 14 Feb 2014 The RYA has officially commenced the search for 2014’s most inspirational volunteers by opening nominations for the 2014 RYA Volunteer Awards.

These longstanding awards recognise the outstanding contributions made to our sport by volunteers throughout the UK.

'The RYA Volunteer Award winners are the backbone of our sailing clubs, the kind who give up their time to nurture people’s enthusiasm for sailing and boating. They’re the ones who enable all of us to have great fun and to enjoy being out on the water' said RYA Chairman, Stacey Clark.

The RYA Volunteer Awards are divided into four categories; the RYA Awards, RYA Community Awards, Francis Elkin Award and the RYA Family Award.

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

Tony Drake was presented the RYA Family Award along with his wife and three children. He said: 'It was a huge surprise as we were nominated on the quiet! We do anything and everything that needs to be done at our club from preparing food to fixing the slipway. When we found out we were being given an award we were totally amazed.'

RYA Club Support Advisor Jackie Bennetts said: 'The RYA Volunteer Awards are a fantastic opportunity to thank those generous people who day in day out go the extra mile in order for others to get out on the water.

'The RYA Community Award Youth category recognises the contribution made by young people and this year we’re encouraging clubs to consider nominations for this category, as these young volunteers will be crucial to the future success of many clubs.'

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

Nominations must be from a RYA affiliated club, centre, association or region and must be with the RYA by 5p.m. on the 28th April 2014.

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