Mike Chapple

Mike Chapple has been nominated for the Sports Volunteer of the Year award

Mike Chapple’s volunteering efforts spanning nearly 30 years has meant that ‘a whole raft’ of children have been part of national squads from the Guernsey Yacht Club.

His work as coach for both the Rear Commodore Juniors and Racing teams has led him to be nominated for Sports Volunteer of the Year by Rebecca Sheldon and Victoria Harvey.

The 66-year-old sailor said he ‘remembers every event’ from the past three decades and is honoured and humbled at the recognition.

‘He gives his time selflessly to coach sailors of all abilities ranging in age from five to 18 and spends so much of his spare time doing other tasks and admin to support the junior sailors – he even travels with sailors who are racing off- island,’ said Rebecca.

‘Mike has made sailing fun for so many children, including my 12-year-old autistic son who recently competed in his first UK-based event. He would never have had the skill or confidence to do this without Mike’s support.’

Victoria Harvey added that ‘nothing is ever too much’ for Mike, who saw his own children go through the whole Yacht Club system, with his daughter going on to represent Great Britain.

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