Inspirational leicestershire volunteer awarded by HRH the princess royal

A Leicestershire sailor had her inspirational volunteer endeavors recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the annual RYA Volunteer Awards in London on Friday (20 November).

Larissa Barker, from Mowsley, was honoured with an RYA Lifetime Commitment by sailing's national governing body, which recognises individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 15 years..

A total of 53 awards were bestowed upon volunteers from across the UK, recognising their exceptional generosity and dedication to boating. The awards ceremony and luncheon was held at One Great George Street, where each award winner was presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.

For more than two decades of volunteering, Larissa has been an integral part of day to day life at Hollowell Sailing Club, situated just over the Northants/Leicestershire border, including being the club's first lady Commodore, a position she fulfilled for three years.

She has been instrumental in nurturing the development of the club's young sailors, including introducing the national grassroots scheme, RYA OnBoard, at Hollowell, providing low cost sailing opportunities for school and youth groups enabling kids aged 8-18 to learn to sail. Thanks largely to Larissa's influence many young Hollowell sailors have gone on to be selected for prestigious RYA racing squads and compete at national and international level.

Larissa was nominated for the award by Hollowell SC and selected as a winner by the RYA Awards panel.

Duncan Truswell, RYA Sport Development Manager, said: "The RYA Volunteer Awards are our opportunity to say 'thank you', on behalf of clubs and associations that affiliate to the RYA, to their volunteers, the people that really make a difference to help people get afloat. It's our opportunity to take a bit of time out to appreciate the commitment these individuals make to the sport in helping people get afloat safely and enjoyably."

For more information about the RYA Volunteer Awards visit the link below.