OnBoard Officers awarded for commitment to youth sailing 

Congratulations to the winners of the RS Sailing RYA OnBoard Awards

The outstanding dedication of three of the RYA’s OnBoard Development Officers (ODO’s) who work to introduce youngsters to sailing and windsurfing, was acknowledged last night (02 November) at the Annual OnBoard Conference dinner held at the Rose Bowl, Southampton.  

RYA CEO Sarah Treseder was joined by Riki Hooker from RS Sailing to present the 2011 RS Sailing RYA OnBoard Awards. The three special awards which were presented for Performance, Commitment and Innovation were presented to those officers who have gone the extra mile working for the RYA OnBoard grassroots sailing programme.  

Innovation

Picking up the ‘Innovation Award’ was Helen Bainbridge, OnBoard Officer for the Teesside area.  Helen has worked hard to secure Sportivate funding for four clubs in her area as well as creating the successful Youth Traveller Series to accomodate the demand for more sailing festivals this summer.  

Performance

The Performance Award was won by Samantha Jones who oversees the extremely active area of Hampshire.  Sam was awarded for her work involving and encouraging schools to take part, motivating volunteers, and organising fun filled festivals for young people and their parents. Her calm yet determined nature has enabled her to inspire 18% of her OnBoard sailors to continue to enjoy sailing  regularly.  

Commitment

The final award for ‘Commitment’ was awarded to Cumbria’s ODO Dave Woodhead. Dave has achieved an incredible amount in his contracted hours including organising two festivals with sailing and windsurfing opportunities for adults as well as the youngsters.    

 Dave said: “I am over the moon to have been presented with this award this evening. I find it extremely rewarding and gratifying to watch kids start at the beginning and then progress in a sport that they gain so much from.”  

 Catherine Ferguson, OnBoard Operations Officer said: “We are delighted to recognise the hard work and dedication of these OnBoard Development Officers whose commitment and innovative ideas are pivotal to the success of the OB Programme. I am very excited to see what they have planned for 2012.”  

RS Sailing who proudly sponsor the awards kindly donated specially commissioned trophies to mark their achievements. Riki said: “This is the third year that the RS OB Awards have been presented and they truly highlight the exceptional effort of the whole OnBoard team. We are delighted to be a part of this programme”.  

More information 

Run by the RYA, OnBoard is a grass roots programme which introduces sailing and windsurfing to young people aged 8 to 18, through schools, youth groups and training centres.  

Over a ten year period OnBoard aims to introduce a minimum of 500,000 children to sailing and windsurfing in the UK, converting over 10% of them into regular participants. So far it’s nicely on track.  

For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit the RYA’s website www.rya.org.uk or the OnBoard website www.ruob.co.uk