Congratulations to Charly Curtis on receiving a British Rowing Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2020 British Rowing Awards.
The award is one of several made for contributions to the sport of Rowing in 2019 which were intended to have been presented at the inaugural British Rowing Awards ceremony in London in March 2020, but because of the current pandemic, it was not possible to celebrate in the normal way. Instead nominations for the 2020 Awards were spotlighted on the British Rowing website and social media between December 26th and 31st.
The categories of awards presented honour people and achievements across the volunteer, coach and rower community:
- Rising Star of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Crew of the Year – in University, School and Junior plus Club categories
- Coach of the Year
- Beryl Crockford Award
- Project of the Year
- Club of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Awards
- Medal of Merit
- Medal of Honour
The Lifetime Achievement Award was one of 7 nominations from regions covering the whole of the UK. The Award has had an illustrious list of winners over the years and recognises a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the sport of rowing. Award citations can be found on the British Rowing website.
Lifetime Achievement Award winners 2020
The list of 2020 award winners in all categories can be found here.
Charly started coxing at Newcastle Royal Grammar School and joined Durham ARC as a cox after leaving Bede College. He has been heavily involved in rowing for over 50 years, achieving numerous regatta successes in the 40 years up to 2012.
As well as being a familiar figure carrying out umpiring duties on the northern regatta circuit and being a ubiquitous volunteer around the Club and at events, Charly is involved in organising competitions including the Long Distance Sculling Series, Durham Small Boats Head and Durham City Regatta. He has served on the Club’s Executive Committee for many years in a variety of roles and also undertakes committee work with Durham Regatta, the Northern Rowing Council and the Northern Regional Umpiring Committee. He is currently President of Durham Regatta as well as being joint Chair of the Race and Technical Committee.
Accepting the award Charly extended his gratitude to the rowing community, adding, “If there were no oarspersons wanting to row, or regattas, clubs and regions who need volunteers I wouldn’t have received this award. It goes to all of you with my gratitude.”
Featured image by Al Johnston