Commitment awards presented by Princess
TWO Marple sailors were rewarded for their outstanding commitment to their sport, as they were honoured with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Volunteer Awards by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
Glossop Sailing Club’s Roger Tolman received an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award, for individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 15 years.
Meanwhile Jane Thorpe from Toddbrook Sailing Club collected an Outstanding Contribution Award, for people who have made a significant volunteer contribution.
The RYA is boating’s national governing body and the Volunteer Awards honour people throughout the UK for their work across all of the disciplines the RYA represents, including sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, inland waterways and personal watercraft.
Roger and Jane, who received their awards at the RYA’s annual awards ceremony at One Great George Street in London on Friday, November 24, were among 58 people to be named boating’s most dedicated volunteers this year.
They were both nominated by their clubs and selected as winners by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel.
Alistair Dickson, RYA director of sport development, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport. The ceremony was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work our volunteers do to support boating activity in all forms throughout the UK.
“All of the stories behind these special people have been truly inspiring to hear and it’s really an honour to be able to say thank you and celebrate their amazing achievements.”