RYA Sailability Volunteer Award winners announced

by Susie NationGrainger on 3 Feb 2015 RYA Sailability Volunteer Awards - Some 120 delegates from RYA Sailability groups, clubs and organisations across the UK attended the national RYA Sailability Conference and dinner (31 January 2015) at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire, where the winners of the Awards were announced.

The RYA Sailability Volunteer Awards were presented by RYA CEO, Sarah Treseder and recognise the priceless voluntary contribution by Sailability volunteers. They are awarded in three categories: Significant Contribution, Outstanding Contribution and Exceptional Contribution.

The winner of the significant contribution award was Norman Griffin from Grafham Water Sailability. Norman is the senior safety boat driver and not only is he charge of all safety needs on the water but he regularly donates his time to help other members outside of sailing hours.

The Outstanding Contribution Award went to David and Shirley Musgrove from the Disabled Sailing Association (DSA). David, DSA Chairman is visually impaired and has worked tirelessly for the last ten years to make sailing affordable for all disabilities. Shirley who is partially sighted herself is the membership and fundraising secretary, and works selflessly in the background to support David at every step of the way.

The final award for Exceptional Contribution went to James Hopgood, the founder of Peterborough Sailability. James has maintained his commitment and enthusiasm for more than ten years and continues to be at the centre of the organisation encouraging change and growth. His work to secure funding and encourage membership to look forward has resulted in more than 230 sailors and 60 volunteers at Peterborough Sailability.

Debbie Blachford, RYA Sailability Manager said: 'It’s a pleasure to present these well-deserved awards. We also want to recognise and thank every single volunteer who donates their time to RYA Sailability as they are all responsible for getting even more people of all abilities out on the water'.

Earlier in the day, delegates were treated to a variety of guest speakers including an instructional talk on lifejacket safety from RYA Cruising Manager Stuart Carruthers, and members of All Aboard Bristol who shared their learnings from their fully integrated watersports centre.

In the afternoon, the interactive workshop sessions gave delegates the chance to get up to date with the latest advice and information. Topics included: finding and applying for funding, racing schemes, club networking and club development.

Debbie concludes: 'Thank you to all the delegates who attended this year’s conference and continue to support the programme. We had a fantastic turnout and we hope everyone left with their questions answered, feeling inspired to continue their amazing work'.

Thank you to Arthur J Gallagher for sponsoring the RYA Sailability National Conference.

For more information about RYA Sailability visit here.