Part of Paddle UK’s work is to recognise the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals through our National Honours & Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence, dedication, and the positive impact on the paddling community.
The National Honours and Awards Panel (NHAP) is responsible for considering nominations and presenting proposals to the Board. The panel convenes twice annually to review and consider all NHAP nominations received. Nominations for these Awards are open all year round.
For more detail on the process and criteria of nominating someone for a year-round Paddle UK Honour, click or tap on the headings below. To put forward a nomination please use the form below. Simply choose the award you wish to nominate for and then complete the details and send.
There are thousands of people committed to the development and delivery of paddle sports within the UK and we encourage you to join us in recognising their hard work and accomplishments by nominating deserving candidates.
Nomination Criteria and Process
UK National Honours
Criteria
This award is open to all members of all National Associations (Paddle UK, Paddle Scotland, Paddle Wales, Paddle Northern Ireland).
UK National Honours give recognition and reward to people who have devoted a large part of their lives to the service of others. They are awarded by the King (Such as MBE, OBE, CBE, BEM).
They are there to recognise many areas of achievement including outstanding, meritorious and long serving commitment or outstanding sporting achievement within the sport of canoeing.
Nomination Process
Nominations from the membership for Paddle UK to consider can be submitted at any point in the year and then held on file until the UK National Honours nomination window opens. Paddle UK will actively promote for nominations a couple of times each year.
Nominations will be made to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by Paddle UK, for those who have made a contribution to the sport in England or in a UK context. The Boards of the other National Associations may make nominations directly in a similar way.
The NHAP will consider these nominations and make recommendations for consideration and approval by the Board.
Clubs or individuals within the sport may also nominate directly to UK National Honours system without the involvement of Paddle UK.
Vice Presidents of Paddle UK
Criteria
This award is open to all members of all National Associations (Paddle UK, Paddle Scotland, Paddle Wales, Paddle Northern Ireland).
The awarding of Vice President is the highest honour within Paddle UK and reserved for those who have made an exceptional lifetime commitment to the sport.
It recognises those who have made the most unique contribution to the sport either as a participant, coach or administrator at National Association level, at UK level or at International level.This role is defined within the Articles and nominations have to be approved by the membership at an AGM.
Vice Presidents are invited to support the work of the President to be ambassadors for Paddle UK at championships, events and on formal occasions.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the position of Vice Presidents need to be approved by the AGM of Paddle UK and require a 75% majority. It may be awarded to any participant, coach, official or administrator in the sport.
Nominations can be made by the Board of any National Association, any club or committee within the organisational structure of Paddle UK and the National Associations.
Nominations will be considered initially by the NHAP, who shall make recommendations for consideration and approval by the Board. The Board will in turn consider and approve the nominations to be presented to the AGM.
Award of Honour
Criteria
This Award is reserved for recognition of outstanding service, commitment and major contribution to the sport over a number of years at national or international level. It may be awarded to any participant, coach, official or administrator in the sport. This Award is approved by the Board of Paddle UK.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made by the Board of any National Association, any club or committee within the organisational structure of Paddle UK and the National Associations.
Nominations will be considered by the NHAP. Their nominations will then be considered for approval by the Board.
Outstanding Contribution
Criteria
This Award is reserved for recognition of outstanding service, commitment and contribution to the sport over a number of years, at club, local, regional or national level within England. It may be awarded to any participant, coach, official or administrator in the sport.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made by the Board of Paddle UK, any club or committee within the English organisational structure of Paddle UK. Nominations will be considered by the NHAP. Their recommendations will then be considered for approval by the Board.
Award of Valour
Criteria
This Award is reserved to recognise the gallantry of any individual who brings assistance to others within an aquatic situation.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made by the Board of Paddle UK, any club or committee within the English organisational structure of Paddle UK. Nominations will be considered by the NHAP. Their recommendations will then be considered for approval by the Board.
Apply Here
Awards and Honours open for nominations will appear in the dropdown below. Simply choose from the dropdown and complete the relevant from to send in your nomination. You will receive a confirmation email of your nomination on completion.