Over 300 Olympic and Paralympic coaches, including four members of Archery GB's performance team, were celebrated at Buckingham Palace to recognise 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 Team GB and ParalympicsGB's 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.
Archery GB Performance Director Tom Duggan attended along with Olympic Performance Coach Nicky Hunt, Paralympic Performance Coach Andrea Gales and Pathway coach Tony Gray.
Andrea Gales said: "This is the first time coaches in the UK have been recognised on a scale like this. During the event I was honoured to have the opportunity to meet HRH The Princess Royal. Princess Anne asked how I'd found my way into para coaching. She commented that Para Archery has continuously delivered medals at the Games and was one of the most successful sports ever.
"It was a truly memorable day and it felt special to have been recognised for doing a job I deeply care about in a sport I love. I was more nervous at this (trip to the Palace) than I have ever been in a coach's box."
Tom Duggan said: "The event was a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the role and impact coaches have had, not just on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also throughout the pathway and within the communities across all sports."
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. Calls were made to ensure coaches are supported to be able to continue playing the pivotal role of supporting others at every level of sport.
Mark Gannon, CEO of UK Coaching, said: "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 ParalympicsGB."
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.
"We believe that the UK benefits from being home to some of the best coaches in the world, and we feel it's important to champion and celebrate their hard work in supporting British athletes and their sports."
