A IT IS A FORMER OLYMPIAN who encourages undeserved communities on to Birmingham's canals.
Andrew Train, who was recognised in the New Year Honours, and represented Team GB in canoeing during five consecutive Games between 1984 and 2000, has been teaching his canoeing skills for the past 25 years in the Birmingham Community Paddle Sport Project.
Eight paddle clubs
He has helped open eight paddle hubs across the city, with the aim of encouraging communities on to the Birmingham's canals.
Paddle UK the national governing body, tell that 70% of those taking part across the paddle hubs now come from some of the most undeserved areas of the city.
The statistics tell that there are a high numbers of women and from ethnically diverse communities taking part in canoeing.
It was somewhat taboo for South Asian women to be part of competitive sport, and by having such a community it encourages others to push beyond your boundaries is just so inspirational, told one canoeist.
Canal & River Trust
On Andrews MBE, Tahir Parvaz, of Canal & River Trust, told:
"If there's anyone who deserves it more than Andy, I don't know who. He's just the man, who should be honoured in this way and it is really nice to support him."