Nominations open for new RYA award

The RYA has announced a new award to be included as part of the RYA Volunteer Awards that recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the UK.

The Honor Preston Award (donated by RYA Chairman Chris Preston) will celebrate, encourage and support a positive change in the attitude to diversity in the boating community.

The Honor Preston Award is named after Chris Preston’s mother who firmly believed boating should be inclusive for all. It will be presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution in time, effort, and personal endeavour to increase the inclusivity of boating, in particular (although not limited to) female participation.

Honor Preston

“My mother is still warmly remembered by many of the girls who she encouraged to make the most of opportunities and to be independent. Since her death in 2010, I have looked for an opportunity to commemorate her in an appropriate way of which she would be proud,” Preston says. “I am very grateful through this award to recognise the efforts and values in which she strongly believed”.

“I would like to thank Chris and his family for donating such a prestigious award,” says Michelle Gent, RYA Programmes Manager. “Inclusivity is one of the RYA’s core values, with this award we will be able to recognise the achievements that so many clubs and volunteers are making in this important area. If you know somebody who could be a worthy winner, then please do make a nomination.”

The Honor Preston Award will be presented at the RYA Volunteer Awards ceremony in November. Nominations close at 17:00 on Friday 12 June.