Andy Crawford wins Torch Trophy Trust award

Staines Boat Club’s Andy Crawford has received the Torch Trophy Trust award, for his contribution to rowing.

At an awards ceremony held at London’s Army and Navy Club on Monday evening, Andy was presented with his award by HRH The Duke of Kent, who said: “Life, I know, is often not made very easy for volunteers. They have to contend with bureaucracy and red tape, questions of licences, qualifications, insurance, health and the ubiquitous health and safety, all in a world where costs are increasing and revenues too often falling for clubs.

“Yet these are the people who make sport happen in this country and make it available for everyone. So tonight we celebrate their achievement and I want to congratulate them all.”

The Torch Trophy Trust – supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance and now in its 50th year – supports grassroots volunteers with grants of up to £1000, as well as recognising the efforts of community champions at its annual awards ceremony.

A member of the British Rowing and Thames Regional Rowing Councils, Andy was Deputy Chairman at 2011’s World Rowing Junior Championships and again at the Diamond Jubilee Rowing Championships earlier this year.

His history of voluntary work in our sport stretches back 40 years, when he became a qualified coach at the age of 16. Until recently he was the Divisional Representative for Staines and Molesey on the British Rowing Council.  He now serves on the Board and Council in his role as Deputy Chairman of the newly formed Sport Committee.  Andy was nominated for the Torch Trophy Trust award by British Rowing.

Andy joined 18 other winners in receiving a replica of the 1948 Olympic Torch – the Torch Trophy Trust’s symbol, representing ‘the charity’s dedication to helping and recognising the efforts of volunteers in sport.’

“Volunteering is more often than not a thankless task but we must remember that without volunteers grassroots sport simply wouldn’t be able to function,” added Sir Bobby Charlton, who is President of the Torch Trophy Trust and congratulated each of the award-winners personally at the ceremony.

“If we are to boost volunteering in this country, we need to ensure that the tireless work of these individuals is recognised, supported and celebrated.”

For more information about the Torch Trophy Trust, visit www.torchtrophytrust.org.