National Awards for Derbyshire Sailing Volunteers
The RYA Community Awards lunch on October 13th recognised 38 individuals from across the country for their tireless contribution to the sport. Presented by Olympic medallists Sarah Webb and Joe Glanfield the awards are seen as the sports very own MBE’s which applaud the vital contribution made by the many people working at the grass roots of the sport.
A number of volunteers from across Derbyshire were also recognised:
Bruce Luckman
Bruce has contributed a great deal to sailing and particularly youth sailing over the years. He is always on hand to assist in the activities of Sea Cadets and has been tireless in his work for Errwood Sailing Club, maintaining the club and its equipment and updating the powerboats and their engines.
Dave O’Donnell
Dave has been tireless in his work for Errwood Sailing Club, dedicating so much time on work parties to maintain the club. Dave has added a multi-hull endorsement to encourage Sea Cadets as well as members at Errwood to be trained in the safe use of equipment.
Arthur Richardson
Arthur is a long-serving member at Trent Valley Sailing Club and volunteered as Honorary Secretary for 4 years and Commodore for 13. At present he is one of the club’s Trustees. His contribution and unseen work has been valued and appreciated by everyone at the club.
Sarah and Joe spoke from the heart during the lunch about the invaluable work of those people who give their time, energy and knowledge to others in the sport on a voluntary basis from running the safety boat, to training, racing, or keeping the club up and running. They both recognised the contribution that such individuals had made to their own success, from when they started sailing as children right up to their recent medal success in the Athens games.
Rod Carr the RYA’s Chief Executive expressed his appreciation of this year’s awards winners - "The RYA Community Award winners are essentially ambassadors for the thousands of people whose continual contribution makes the sport of sailing great to be a part of".