Volunteer Paul Wilks has been recognised for “outstanding achievement” as a club official at Cowes Sailability Club, in the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation Awards.

Paul Wilks Award 2017
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Cowes Sailability Club’s Rear Commodore Paul Wilks was presented with a certificate of Outstanding Achievement at an award ceremony organised by the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation last month.  As a finalist in the category of club official, Paul was commended for his years of dedication to Cowes Sailability Club and, in particular, his work in securing and managing the club’s registered charity status.

“Without Paul’s energy, legal experience and sheer determination, I doubt we would have achieved registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation as quickly as we did,” says Patrick de Peyer, Commodore of Cowes Sailability Club.  “Over the last four years, Paul has played a key role in helping to expand and develop the club so that we can offer a wide range of opportunities for people with disabilities.”

Paul joined Cowes Sailability Club as a fundraiser in 2011 and has since held a variety of official posts including, for the 2014 season, the role of Commodore.  He is an active volunteer on and off the water and, having recently gained qualifications in radio usage and skippering, is constantly developing his skills to benefit members.

At the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation Awards Ceremony on 6th March 2017, Paul was one of four finalists from a wide range of organisations to receive an Outstanding Achievement certificate in the club official category.  “It was an honour to appear on stage with so many hard working and dedicated sports enthusiasts,” Paul says. “I would like to offer my congratulations to Tony Elgar from Shanklin Rifle and Pistol Club who was a worthy winner of this category.”

The Isle of Wight Sports Foundation Awards are presented annually to recognise adults and young people who have made a valuable contribution to sport on the Isle of Wight.  “This was the 42nd year for the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation Awards,” says Susie Sheldon, Trustee of The Isle of Wight Sports Foundation.  “We were delighted to present Paul Wilks with an Outstanding Achievement certificate for working on the management committee of Cowes Sailability Club since 2011.  He has steered the club through the mine-field of becoming a charity, which has made a material difference to the success of the club, enabling it to move forward to obtain vital equipment and make improvements in operational procedures.”

IWSF 2016 Winners

All award finalists on the stage.

 

Could you contribute to the running of Cowes Sailability Club? Click here to find out more about volunteering.