Scotland’s sailing clubs, volunteers and instructors who have made an outstanding commitment to the sport in 2012 will be recognised at the RYA Scotland’s Annual Awards, which were declared open for nominations this month.
The search has begun for Scotland’s top coach, instructor, club, volunteer, young volunteer and outstanding female contribution to the sport, with the winners being honoured at a prestigious dinner in February.
Judging this year’s awards is a distinguished panel: twice Olympic gold-medal winning sailor Shirley Robertson OBE who nominated Borders 17 year Callum Airlie as one of the seven young athletes to light the London 2012 Games cauldron; Mike Hay MBE, British Olympic Association’s Head of Winter Sport Engagement and sportscotland board member; and Chris Tiso, CEO at Tiso Group Ltd, and sponsor of British Team member Charlotte Dobson in her 2012 Olympic campaign.
The 2012 RYA Scotland Awards winners will be announced and celebrated at a special dinner in Largs on Saturday 23rd February 2013 during RYA Scotland’s Big Weekend, the annual boat show that looks to bring sailors from all over Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England.
Nine months after being crowned RYA Scotland’s Club of the Year, Chanonry Sailing Club is still benefitting from being recognised as the country’s top club.
“Winning the award gives you such a sense of pride in your club,” said Helen Jenner, Commodore at the Fortrose-based club. “It recognises people, particularly our volunteer coaches, for all the great work that they do. It’s a huge pat on the back.”
“And winning the award has helped a general feel good feeling, a yes we can attitude, right around the club.”
RYA Scotland Chief Operating Officer, James Stuart, said: “Recognising and celebrating the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, coaches, instructors, sailors and clubs is hugely important to our sport and we urge you to nominate those who have gone that extra mile for their sport, achieved great successes and have helped to encourage others.
“In this Olympic year many people in Scotland sailing have capitalised by leading and promoting sailing at their clubs. Our awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the achievements of these people, many of them unsung heroes.”
To help recognise the commitment of the people and volunteers who are so dedicated to our sport, please complete your nomination at:
Closing date for nominations is Monday 7th January 2013
The 2012 RYAS Awards categories:
RYA Scotland Coach of the Year
RYA Scotland Instructor of the Year
RYA Scotland Club of the Year
RYA Scotland Volunteer of the Year
RYA Scotland Young Volunteer of the Year
RYA Scotland’s Elizabeth Mackay award – for outstanding female contribution to the sport
