05 December 2025
RYA Northern Ireland Impact Awards: Nominations Now Open
The RYA Northern Ireland Impact Awards celebrate the extraordinary people and groups who help make sailing and boating across Northern Ireland more successful, inclusive, sustainable and valued.
RYA Northern Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of the RYA NI Impact Awards, a refreshed and more accessible way to recognise the outstanding people and groups who make a real difference across our sailing and boating community.
For many years, these awards were presented at a formal annual prize-giving evening. While this tradition was valued, feedback highlighted some challenges with the previous format, particularly around the breadth and volume of nominations. We want to ensure recognition is inclusive, meaningful and accessible to everyone who contributes to the sport.
Why The Change?
Across the UK, the RYA has successfully moved to a rolling nomination format, allowing individuals and organisations to be recognised throughout the year rather than waiting for a single annual event.
This new approach:
Aligns RYA Northern Ireland with the national awards framework, meaning NI nominations can now be considered for RYA National Awards
Creates a more inclusive and flexible system
Ensures that exceptional contributions are recognised at the right time, not limited by event dates
Allows us to celebrate impact more regularly across volunteering, innovation, sustainability and participation
The Impact Awards will continue to shine a spotlight on the people who make boating in Northern Ireland stronger, more welcoming and more vibrant.
Nominations Are Now Open
Clubs, centres and individuals are invited to submit nominations for the RYA NI Impact Awards.
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Nominations are open year-round
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Successful nominees will receive a certificate of recognition
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All individual nominations received by 1 October will be automatically considered for the RYA National Individual Awards
📄 Download the guidance document for full details on who can be nominated and how to submit a nomination.
For more information you can also email RYA Development Officer Mary Martin: Mary.Martin@rya.org.uk
We are excited to launch the Impact Awards in Northern Ireland which will help us recognise the voluntary commitment and impact people across the network of clubs and classes in Northern Ireland have on our sport and on people’s lives. A key part of our Navigating the Future strategy was about working hard to ‘Celebrate the Sport’ and is one of the strategic foundations underpinning the strategy. By moving to rolling nominations, we can celebrate the fantastic contributions of our community more regularly, raising the profile of the crucial role volunteers, coaches, officials and administrators play.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations are open to anyone involved in boating across Northern Ireland, including:
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Participants
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Paid staff and volunteers
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Instructors, coaches and race officials
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Clubs, classes and training centres
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Anyone who has made a positive difference to the boating community
A nomination can be submitted as a personal thank you or as wider recognition of someone’s contribution.
Nominations Are Open Now
Let’s shine a spotlight on those making a difference in our sailing community!
