BD marks Volunteers Week with new award

As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, British Dressage is delighted to announce a new annual award to recognise outstanding contributions to the sport by an individual or group. Called The President’s Commendation in honour of two ladies who epitomise what the award is for, The Duchess of Richmond and Jennie Loriston-Clarke, the award will be presented annually.

Taking its place alongside the established Medal of Honour and Volunteer of the Month awards, the President’s Commendation will be awarded by a panel following an open nomination process. Example contributions by potential nominees include:

- made a difference to their community or field of work
- enhanced BD’s reputation
- long-term voluntary service
- innovation and entrepreneurship
- changed things, with an emphasis on achievement
- improved life for people less able to help themselves
- displayed moral courage and doing difficult things
- faced adversity with incredible determination
- shown significant selflessness in supporting others
- provided opportunity for others to participate

The key point is the ‘undoubted and unequivocal excellence of the nominee’, someone who is a stand out example to others.

Interim Board Director Julie Frizzell, who pioneered the award, commented; “The Board were unanimous in supporting this award and I’m immensely proud to now be launching it to the membership. The Medal of Honour has been around since 1999 and to date, 37 exceptional individuals have won while the Volunteer of the Month has gone from strength to strength in the four years it’s been presented but there was a gap. The new Commendation fills that nicely.

“We have so many dedicated people in dressage who make a massive impact through their selflessness and dedication and this is a perfect way to mark their contribution. It’s currently national Volunteers’ Week so what better time to launch, it only remains for me to declare the nomination process open!”

Full details of the President’s Commendation can be found here. 

Nominations must be made by any category of paid member of British Dressage and by using the official form - Word or PDF. Completed nominations must be received by Angela Green by 5pm on 29 June 2018 via email or post, British Dressage, Building 2020, Copse Drive, Meriden Business Park, Meriden, West Midlands CV5 9RG.