Queen’s Birthday Honour for Dame Di Ellis

Warmest congratulations from all at British Rowing to Dame Di Ellis who was awarded a DBE in today’s Queen Birthday Honour’s List, recognising a lifetime’s commitment to sport.  

Annamarie Phelps, who took over as Chairman of British Rowing in February this year when Di stood down after 24 years, was delighted to hear the news; “Nobody deserves this recognition more than Di.  Her work in promoting equality, performance and participation across sport and in guiding and leading British Rowing for twenty-four years has benefitted generations of rowers, players and athletes.  She has helped to transform British sport into the success story it is today.”

Rosemary Napp, Development Director, who joined the ARA / British Rowing in the year that Di Ellis took over as Chairman also expressed her delight at the news; “Di has been a truly inspirational leader.  She has worked tirelessly and passionately to promote participation and excellence with a warmth and inclusiveness that a demonstrates the real and lasting value of the sport.”

Dame Di has told us; “I am obviously surprised but deeply honoured to be recognised in this way for serving and being part of a sport that has given me so much pleasure”.

Since standing down as Chairman of British Rowing Dame Di Ellis has continued to be closely involved in the sport.  As President of the Organising Committee for the Samsung World Rowing Cup she is currently busy helping to organise another outstanding weekend of rowing as 40 nations return to compete at Eton Dorney, 21st to 23rd June.