Honorary Plymouth University Sports Colour for Adrian Kemp 

The founder of Plymouth Youth Sailing, Adrian Kemp MBE, has been awarded an honorary university sports colour by Plymouth University.

The citation at the presentation ceremony, which took place on 20 September, read:

Adrian Kemp has been a volunteer for over 25 years, devoting his time to supporting youth projects which have benefitted thousands of young people in the Plymouth area, particularly individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Adrian is the founder of Stonehouse Playspace Association and of Plymouth Youth Sailing (PYS). The latter offers affordable sailing experience to children all over Plymouth. As Commodore of Plymouth Youth Sailing Adrian has been particularly successful over the years in securing funding to purchase equipment and to offer training opportunities. PYS recently took on the Royal Yachting Association’s OnBoard Programme. It is also a Volvo Championship Club, supporting the progression pathway into racing at local, national and international level.

Adrian has been a committee member for the National Schools Sailing Association for over 20 years, and an instructor with Plymouth University for over 25 years.  In this latter role he has often provided students with volunteering opportunities through PYS. He also oversees the British University Sailing Championships, which the University has successfully run for the past two years.

Plymouth University is delighted to be able to recognise Adrian’s considerable achievements by awarding him a Sporting Colour.

Adrian is thrilled to have been recognised in this way: “It was a great honour to be acknowledged with a University Colour for the commitment to and development of sailing within the local and national community. To be part of such a prestigious event, at such a fantastic venue on Plymouth Hoe, with all its maritime traditions, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“To proceed into the Marquee, in the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s party, where over 1500 graduates, parents and friends were gathered, was quite overwhelming at first. However, to be part of such a celebration of success and achievement was very moving.

“After the ceremony, many people came up to me to ask about my work and how they might be able to become involved in similar projects, so I hope some of my enthusiasm may have rubbed off and we see more university graduates becoming involved in the development of the sport we love.

“I am proud to thank Plymouth University for my nomination to this unique group of people."