Richard Sinnott appointed Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University

Richard, who co-founded Warrington RC, works closely with LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, providing placement opportunities for students and participating in research and knowledge exchange activities

British Rowing was delighted to hear that Richard is one of 17 new Honorary Fellows announced by the University this week.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Power, said, “Our fellowship is an exceptional roll call of individuals who participate in the life of the university and become our ambassadors. Fellows are drawn from all walks of life and numerous disciplines, many are alumni and return for the honour having established professional acclaim in their time since graduating. The cohort we will recognise this year is outstanding and I’m already proud of their association with LJMU and looking forward to how we can work with them in the future.”

Richard established Warrington Rowing Club in 1986 with the principle that rowing is sport for all, not just the privileged. Richard’s 35-year coaching career has resulted in athletes winning medals at several Olympic Games, World, World U23 and World Junior Championships.

It is Richard’s services to grass roots sport that have received the most acclaim. In 1999 Warrington was the first club in the UK to participate in a scheme linking state schools to rowing clubs. In 2016 Richard co-founded All Aboard Youth Rowing (originally called Warrington Youth Rowing). This project recruits disadvantaged children from local state schools, with a view to enhance their life skills through the sport of rowing. Currently the charity deals with 43 state secondary schools, with up to 450 youngsters a week taking part and has gained national recognition.

Richard said, “I am genuinely surprised and delighted with this honour. It’s been a real privilege to be involved with the students of LJMU.”

Dr Tim Donovan, a tutor at LJMU and former Amateur Rowing Association (British Rowing) Coaching Development Officer, said, “In 1994 I was the first of well over 100 students Richard mentored. It’s extremely impressive that he has done all of that alongside supporting aspiring rowers and young people who can benefit from rowing in so many other ways.”