Buckingham Palace Hosts Historic Event to Recognise Coaches’ Vital Contribution to British Sport.
A number of Paddle UK coaches were celebrated at Buckingham Palace as over 300 Olympic and Paralympic coaches were recognised for their remarkable contribution to sport in the UK.
The event held on Tuesday 22 October at Buckingham Palace was in partnership with UK Coaching and UK Sport and recognised both summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic coaches for their invaluable contribution to supporting our world class athletes.
Plaudits were led by UK Coaching patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, where coaches were invited to meet Her Royal Highness personally during the reception.
Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock and representatives from the Department of Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) also attended to honour the exceptional coaches behind Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The reception marks the first time coaches in the UK have been recognised to this scale, with calls made to ensure coaches are supported ongoing to continue playing the pivotal role of supporting others at every level of sport.
Great Britain’s athletes continually deliver on the world stage with medals and memorable moments; this is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the coach’s well-deserved moment to take centre stage for all their hard work.
Mark Gannon, CEO of UK Coaching reflected on the event:
“This is a special moment for each of the coaches here at Buckingham Palace and could not be more deserved. We know well how much support they give to their athletes to be their very best helping them, cope with the pressure and compete on the world stage. It’s important that coaches are seen every bit as much part of Team GB and Paralympics GB.”
Dr Kate Baker, Director of Performance and People from UK Sport said:
“We have exceptional coaches across the UK, and I am so proud we are able to celebrate and recognise their incredible dedication and commitment to their sport.
“The extraordinary sporting moments we witnessed over the summer at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games could not have been done without the support and tireless work of the coaches behind the scenes over the years.”