The RYA have launched their new Community Awards to recognise the tireless and often voluntary work of individuals who have made a real impact on our sport at a more local, grass roots level

For many years the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has presented awards to people who have made a significant contribution to the work of the Association at national or regional level. The list represents most of the significant contributors to the sport since the early fifties, with previous recipients including Jack Holt, Bernard Hayman and Mary Pera.

The RYA now wishes to recognise the tireless and often voluntary work of individuals who have made a real impact on our sport at a more local, grass roots level.

The RYA Community Awards will recognise the outstanding contribution that many club officers, instructors, coaches, race officials, boat builders, local boatmen, harbour masters or event organisers make to our sport.

It is anticipated that there will be 10 to 15 ‘MBE’ style awards made each year with the presentation ceremony and luncheon taking place at the RYA’s annual general meeting in London during October 2002.

“The RYA Community Awards are one small way that our sport can recognise the contribution that so many people make year after year,” commented Rod Carr, RYA Chief Executive.

Nominations can be made by: RYA Members, Clubs, Class Associations, RYA Regions, Recognised Teaching Establishments, competitors, Coaches or trade associations.

An award could be made for a single outstanding achievement, or for an act of bravery or good sportsmanship that should be recognised by the wider boating community. Any person who has significantly contributed to our sport will be considered.

Written nominations should reach Rod Carr, RYA Chief Executive by Friday 31 May 2002. Nominations should be marked Private and Confidential and include; the name, address and telephone number of the nominee; the Club, Teaching establishment, Region or Nautical; Institution (if any) to which they are attached; a statement from the nominating person or group detailing why the nominee should receive an RYA award; contact details of the nominating person/group.

For more information please contact Anne Chewins (0)23 8062 7421