DEVIZES Canoeing Club’s Dan Colby was among the winners honoured at the annual British Canoeing Coaching and Leadership Recognition Awards.

The British Canoeing event celebrates the achievements and contributions of the sport’s coaches and leaders and was held at Eastwood Hall in Nottinghamshire as part of British Canoeing’s annual Coaching and Leadership Conference.

One of Britain’s most successful Olympic medallists in canoeing, Dr Tim Brabants, presented the awards.

Colby was awarded British Canoeing’s Junior Coach of the Year Award, given to recognise a young coach or leader who has demonstrated commitment to their own development, showing a desire to up skill themselves and learn from others.

Colby started at Devizes Canoe Club assisting to run junior sessions in 2013 and his role as a coach sees him offering Saturday junior sessions, which has helped the club to retain more members.

He said: “I’m honoured to receive this award. I don’t do it for myself, I want to give my time to others and to give them the opportunity to come and try canoeing.”

Described as ‘central to the clubs junior programme’, Colby was recognised for his commitment and dedication, travelling back from university every Wednesday to commit to coaching junior paddling and even taking annual leave from his work to run summer camps.

Club coach Trevor Hunter added: “Nothing is too much trouble for Dan, he’ll always say yes.”