Canoe England's first ever Volunteer awards took place on Saturday 7th June 2008. The awards recognise and reward volunteers, officials and coaches who make outstanding contributions to Paddlesport and who often go unnoticed with very little thanks and praise. Two Coaches from the Yorkshire Region received awards in the following categories:

Female Volunteer Coach Esther Mathews, Greenstar Canoe Club, South Yorkshire
Level 3 coach, Esther Mathews from Doncaster, contributes so much for Paddlesport, blends into the background and never expects any thanks. Esther dedicates hours of volunteering every week for Green Star CC – in particular for young people and slalom.

Outstanding Contribution Dick Constable, White Rose Canoe Club, Leeds
As chair of the Yorkshire region, Dick has taken on numerous roles over the years. He coaches for White Rose Canoe Club; Yorkshire Single Bladers and Yorkshire Sea Kayakers. As president of White Rose Canoe Club, Dick also organises trips away, coordinates training, organises events and supports the region as a Local Coach Organiser (LCO). “Dick has made an amazing difference to the Yorkshire region,” says Gareth Field, Canoe England. “He has made a huge difference in developing the region.”