(2016 ☆ ARCHIVED) Kim Pople - South Africa

KIM POPLE (South Africa) – Nominee for the 2016 'Foundation Award'.

Born: 1972; Disciplines: Canoe Sprint, Para Canoeing, Canoe Polo, Marathon, Ocean Racing, Surfski; Represents: South Africa

Kim Pople’s tireless dedication and commitment to Canoeing South Africa is unmatched. Her work as a volunteer goes well beyond what is expected, with the time she spends helping the sport replicating that of a full-time employee.

Currently Kim holds the following voluntary positions:

• Chairperson: Umzinyathi Canoe Club
• Vice-Chairperson: KwaZulu Natal Canoe Union
• Board Member: Canoeing South African

Although each of the above positions demands a massive amount of time, dedication and day to day management, she also managed to find time to volunteer at the following 2016 events within the space of one month: KwaZulu Natal Sprint Championships, South African Sprint Championships and National Trials, South African Schools Sprint Championships, African Sprint Championships and Rio Olympic Games Qualifier and Confederation of African Canoeing Congress.

The African Sprint Championships, in which Kim played was head of the management committee had over 22 countries competing. In this role Kim coordinated dignitaries, accommodation, the race venue, equipment, catering and more. She even took charge of the microphone and was the announcer for the 3 days. The Confederation of Africa Canoeing’s Conference, which she also managed, closed off the 30 days of madness.

Each event was a resounding success, with Kim's leadership and organisation ensuring the utmost accountability, integrity, responsibility and good sportsmanship. In fact, the International Canoeing Federation (ICF) declared the 2016 edition of the African Championships 'the best ever.' This accolade is a true testament to Kim's hard work and dedication to this regatta. 

Kim is also actively involved with and passionate about the development programmes in canoeing, aimed at the previously disadvantaged community. She spends many hours assisting development paddlers with their sport, logistics, and even their homework. Her club's development programme was runner up in the Annual Jack Cheetham Award 2015, a national award given to the most deserving initiative.

In addition to all of the above, Kim is a single mother who devotes every spare moment to the support of her son, who is a competitive and enthusiastic marathon paddler.

This is a 2016 archived nominee. Voting has closed.