AN 83-year-old man has been recognised for his ‘outstanding’ work in the canoeing community in the city.

Robin Powell, from Worcester, was due to receive a national award from British Canoeing on Sunday, May 10 at the Worcester Canoe Club during its annual Hasler marathon race.

However, the event didn’t go ahead due to the coronavirus and the restrictions on water sports.

Mr Powell’s contribution to the canoeing community and Worcester Canoe Club has been recognised by British Canoeing with an Outstanding Contribution Award.

Mr Powell said: “I was emotional when I heard what the members had said about me.

“I enjoy the companionship that canoeing brings. Although you pedal solo, it’s all about working together with the other people who are canoeing too.”

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For more than 60 years, he has been part of the club’s success – as a participant, coach and volunteer.

Mr Powell has been supporting and contributing to the life of the club since it was founded in 1953.

He has owned a canoe since the age of 10 when his father bought him one which cost £2 in 1944.

He was a woodwork and craft teacher at Nunnery Wood High School before retiring 20 years ago.

Shortly after his retirement, he had a minor heart attack and was advised by his doctor to stop racing.

He said: “It was hardly anything, but I was told to start taking it easy.

“So, I got demoted at the club, but it meant I could still race at my own pace.

“I thought I shan’t bust a gut but can continue.

“I now race about 10 miles at a time instead of before where I would do 20 or 30 miles.”

Mr Powell still usually races around 20 miles a week, but now enters Division 9 - which is a race for slower paddlers.

He uses this to coach beginners - he paddles to the turn, waits until everyone goes past, then paddles back shouting encouragement to anyone who is struggling to get to the finish.

Club members say he has always been passionate about canoes, and has introduced generations of paddlers to the sport. He will receive the award when the group next meets, hopefully at the club’s Christmas dinner.