The RYA Community Awards, launched in 2002, recognise the exceptional voluntary contribution given by individuals. These awards, seen as the MBEs of our sport, are given to people who make a real impact on our sport at local, grass roots level. In November 2007, fifty-three Awards, including six in the Youth Category were presented by HRH the Princess Royal.

We are currently looking for nominations for this year s Awards.

Individuals must be nominated by their club/centre or organisation to receive an Award, in one of three categories. Clubs may only make one nomination in each category.

Award Categories

Lifetime Commitment - someone who has shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 10 years

Outstanding Contribution someone who has volunteered for less than 10 years but who has none the less made a significant contribution. This could be a single or one-off contribution.

Youth - someone under the age of 25 on the 1 ^st October 2008 who has demonstrated a regular commitment and/or inspirational contribution which is over-and-above their own participation or achievement within the sport.

Award winners and their guests will be invited to a special presentation ceremony and luncheon in London in November.

This is a great opportunity for your club, centre, organisation or association to recognise and reward outstanding contribution made to our sport by individual volunteers.

Who will you nominate?

Nominations should reach the RYA by Monday 12 ^th May 2008