Recognition granted to trustee of children's sailing charitable organization

Recognition granted to trustee of children's sailing charitable organization

Petrina Blomeley, a trustee at the Welsh sailing charity All Afloat, has been recognised for her significant contributions to the Welsh sailing community. Blomeley received an Impact Award from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Cymru Wales, an organisation that celebrates individuals making a difference in boating.

All Afloat, established in 2017, is a charity dedicated to providing inclusive opportunities for children and young people in sailing and boating across Wales. Blomeley's work with the charity has been instrumental in fostering long-term engagement and the development of essential life skills through sailing.

Blomeley's academic background in Environmental Science from The Open University complements her role at All Afloat. She aims to inspire young sailors to become environmental stewards, integrating sustainability and conservation into the sailing curriculum.

Prior to her work with All Afloat, Blomeley led the development of sailing and watersports as part of the curriculum at Rydal Penrhos School's RYA Training Centre from 2017 to 2024.

In addition to her work with All Afloat, Blomeley serves as the note-taker for RYA Cymru Wales North Regional meetings, further contributing to the wider watersports community. She brought over 40 years of business administration experience to her role as a trustee, joining the board in 2020.

Blomeley's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Hester Walker, RYA Cymru Wales Club Development Officer, praised Blomeley's work with All Afloat for supporting the charity's 'Croeso' and 'get on the water' strategic themes. The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, run by the boating's governing body, acknowledge individuals who go the extra mile to inspire people to enjoy watersports.

Previous recipients of the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award include Keira Edwards, a sailing instructor at Neyland Yacht Club in Pembrokeshire. Since its inception 8 years ago, All Afloat has supported 10 RYA Recognised Training Centres across Wales, delivering over £150,000 worth of projects. More than 4,500 sessions for over 3,500 young people have been conducted, leading to RYA certificates such as Introduction to Sailing, Stages 1 and 2, and Dinghy Instructor qualifications.

For Blomeley, the impact of boating and watersports goes beyond the sport itself. She has seen first-hand how these activities can change lives for the better. More information about All Afloat and getting on the water can be found at RYA Start Boating.

Nominations for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are open for participants, staff and volunteers; instructors, coaches and race officials; clubs, classes and centres. If you know someone who goes the extra mile to inspire people to enjoy watersports, consider nominating them for this prestigious award.

1. Petrina Blomeley's contributions extend beyond sailing, as she has demonstrated significant impact in the wider boating community.
2. Blomeley's expertise in Environmental Science could potentially be applied to other sports such as golf, where sustainable practices are essential.
3. The WNBA, NBA, and NCAA basketball, like sailing, emphasize the development of essential life skills and teamwork in their players.
4. In the realm of American football (NFL), sports betting has surged in popularity, but the focus remains on player development, much like Blomeley's work with young sailors.
5. While Blomeley is mainly associated with sailing, her influence could extend to sports like hockey and baseball, promoting environmental stewardship in their respective communities.
6. European leagues such as the premier-league, Serie A, and Laliga and American sports like MLB and NHL could also benefit from Blomeley's appreciation for sustainability.
7. Sports-betting platforms could potentially collaborate with All Afloat to promote responsible gambling practices and sustainability initiatives, paralleling Blomeley's mission.
8. In the sports of tennis and auto-racing, sports-analysis could be enhanced by considering the environmental impact of their events, much like Blomeley's approach to sailing.
9. Blomeley's impact in the sports world might inspire individuals in mixed-martial-arts (MMA) to develop similar environmental initiatives, bridging the gap between combat sports and sailing.
10. If Blomeley's passion for sustainability extended to horse-racing and grand-prix racing, it would be interesting to see the positive change she could bring to those sports.
11. Nominations for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards could potentially be open for sportspersons in various fields, not just sailing and watersports, recognizing those who go the extra mile to make a difference.
12. The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards could serve as a model for similar awards in other sports, recognizing outstanding contributions to sustainability and community development.
13. The legacy of Petrina Blomeley in the sports world could inspire future generations to integrate sustainability and conservation into their chosen sports, contributing to a greener, more responsible sports ecosystem.
14. As Blomeley continues to inspiring change in the boating and sailing community, her work serves as a reminder that every sport has the potential to make a positive impact, on and beyond the field.

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