Female Volunteer Kayak Coach

Local Guide Trefoil Guild member and Scout Canoe Instructor Pat Tarry has been awarded the British Canoe Union’s Female Volunteer Coach of the Year.  This was presented at a recent ceremony at their Headquarters at Holme Pierrepoint in Nottingham.

The awards were presented by a surprise guest, who was none other than, the Olympic Kayak Sprint Gold Medallist, Dr Tim Brabants.

Pat has been canoeing and Kayaking since a teenager herself, some 50 years ago, and has seen the activity grow from a minority pastime to a great Olympic sport.

Pat shares her enthusiasm for canoeing and kayaking with an ever-increasing number of young members.  Both Pat and the young people from the Scout and Guide Associations attend the weekly paddlesport sessions on a Saturday afternoon.

She was and remains one of the stalwart instructors who give up their time to teach the basics of the sport to this receptive group.  Her patience and understanding soon soothe the fears of the nervous beginners.

Some of her trainees are now participating as coaches themselves.

She has often been heard to say that as long as they need her and she is able to, she will continue to teach this sport that she loves and enjoys.

Long may that continue!!