The work of the volunteers at the fonaCAB International North West 200 in association with Nicholl Oils has received special recognition with presentation of the 2019 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Award is the highest form of civic recognition that can be granted to an organisation in recognition of the outstanding work of the event’s volunteers who give up their time to be at the famous Triangle circuit each year.
NW200 Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, MBE and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Cathal Cunning attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
‘Like all motorcycle races, the North West 200 would not happen without the fantastic effort and work of our army of volunteers who turn out each May to support us.’ Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, said.
‘Receiving this prestigious Queen’s award is a great honour for all of our volunteers and for the event. I would to thank each and everyone of them for all of their assistance and congratulate them on receiving this very special recognition of their efforts.’
The NW200 is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations and awards has increased year on year since the awards were introduced in 2002, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.
“This is a wonderful achievement for the North West 200 volunteers as it recognises the dedication, commitment and skills of volunteers who every day of the week invest their time to help others.” the Northern Ireland Representative for the Award, Walter Rader, OBE, said.
Over 800 volunteers are involved in tasks as diverse as marshalling, medical work, course building, crowd control programme sales, paddock management and a host of other activities during the North West 200 each year. Many of these tasks involve working on site for many weeks before race week itself and taking part in the clean up effort after the racing has ended.
The work of these volunteers involves great expertise and long days spent around the 8.9 mile circuit in all weathers. The Queen’s Award, which is only presented after a rigorous assessment process, recognises the dedication of everyone involved.
The award will be formally presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Co Londonderry, Alison Millar in July.
