After extensive liaison with the Irish paddlesport community, Canoeing Ireland are pleased to publish our 2020 Awards Scheme Review. Brian Ogilvie, President, welcomed the publication of the Awards Scheme Review and commented “This is the result of many months of consultation, dialogue and analysis with a wide range of stakeholders. The completion of the appraisal is timely and the recommendations will play an important part in shaping our Strategic Plan 2021-2023. The outcomes will serve to strengthen and enhance our training programmes, development structures and paddling communities. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the review.”

The feedback received overall was very positive and there is a consistent sense of how highly valued the Award Scheme is by our membership. We are committed to implementing the changes required to improve the Award Scheme consistent with the feedback in consultation with the Training Development Unit. We are conducting the final edit of the full report, which will be available very soon. Moira Aston, CEO said, “Producing this review required a huge collaborative effort on the part of all concerned, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their hard work and commitment to the task. The Awards Scheme is a central part of our sport and it is vitally important that it continues to be held in high regard internationally. The actions identified as part of this review will be vital to our future direction and will receive our full attention in the coming months.”

Commenting on the review, Jon Hynes, Chair of the TDU said, “Paddlers of all disciplines around Ireland have benefited from the Canoeing Ireland award scheme for many years. The review now allows us to have a very focused approach into the next stage of development and improvement. Canoeing Ireland’s strategic approach to these changes has been made possible by the great feedback and engagement from members. I am excited about the future for the scheme as it adapts to modern paddle sports techniques, supports quality instructional methods and focuses on greater levels of safety in our beloved sport.”

The Awards Scheme Review was coordinated by Aidan Doran, TDO, Canoeing Ireland. Aidan’s expert knowledge of the Awards Scheme and collaborative and inclusive approach to the review have produced a pathway document which will guide the adaptation of the scheme.

If you have any queries in relation to the review please email development@canoe.ie