2017 Volunteer of the Year: Penny and James Wingfield

We're very pleased to announce that the 2017 Canoe Wales Super Star Volunteer of the Year Award winners are Penny and James Wingfield from Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers.

The judges were very impressed by the work Penny and James have done to organise the Conwy Ascent, the Winter Llyn Padarn Time Trial Series and various other come-and-try-it and time trial events - in addition to supporting new club members and helping to grow paddlesport in North Wales.

The paddlers who nominated Penny and James say it best:

"The Conwy Ascent is an unique event and brings together paddlers from all over the UK to participate in the race, the tour or the SUP challenge. Penny and James are the driving force behind this event making it a success each year and due to their hard work have raised the profile of this event to a UK National level.

In addition to this, James and Penny organise the Winter Llyn Padarn Time Trial series, a once monthly 5k time trial on Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. For me this event is so special as it is not reserved to club members but invites all interested paddlers in the area. James and Penny always make us feel welcome: from the student recently arrived to study at Bangor Uni, to the sea kayaker who has never participated in a timed event, to the experienced racer looking to test their skills. All are made welcome!

This nomination is to say thank you to Penny and James for all their hard work and dedication to make all these events happen. I am aware that none of these events organise themselves, in fact they need an enormous amount of dedication, energy and time and I am really grateful for Penny and James to give me/us the opportunity to experience such a variety of events here in North Wales."