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Tony Retires as Chair & Captain of British Racing

Once again the Annual British Racing Ball this year was an extremely well organised and very well attended occasion.  At the end of a very successful evening and following on from the presentations by British Water Ski Honorary President Lord Moynihan, Tony Williams made a most unexpected announcement.

Left: Tony & Cherie Blair - Right: Tony & Lord Colin Moynihan

British Water Ski writes; After 11 years as Team Captain,  4 years as Chairman of Racing and a lifetime of involvement within the sport, Tony Williams announced he would be stepping down from the Racing Committee with immediate effect.  A most unexpected announcement from one of the key organisers and workhorses within the sport who has been such a big part of the success story of Racing over the last ten years.  Amid calls of “one more year” and “reconsider”, Patrick Donovan, CEO of British Water Ski, offered his thanks to Tony for his very hard work, his unending support and passion over many years for one of the great aspects of the sport.  Lord Moynihan thanked Tony for his very commendable contribution, very strong organisational role and long service within the sport.  An absolute gentleman,  a true professional and an ambassador for everything that is good within sport, Tony received a very well deserved standing ovation in recognition of his many years of service.

Ski Racing has produced many of the biggest highlights within the sport in recent years including the hosting of the 2005 Racing Worlds at Hunstanton which attracted record levels of sponsorship.  Additionally the 2008 European Championships at Ramsgate supported by Thanet District Council, proved to be the highest profile event of the season attracting £90K of sponsorship support and culminating in a final evening celebration attended by 400 together with a spectacular firework display over Ramsgate Harbour.   During Tony’s tenure as Chairman he led a highly committed team of individuals and built a strong relationship with a wide variety of commercial sponsors, high profile public figures and local authorities.  An extremely proactive group, the Racing Committee will look to find a suitable candidate to chair the discipline in the New Year as they look towards the World Championships in 2009.

Mike Waterman said: “A big loss for Racing, we will miss his hard work and commitment.”

Patrick Donovan added:  “One of the hardest working individuals within the sport, it has been a pleasure to work with Tony over the years – I have a great deal of respect for his very hard work and commitment and very much admire his very strong drive, energy and incredible attention to detail.”

Tony intends to spend more time with his grandchildren and new boat teaching them to water ski around Weymouth.  He also has a very nice shell of a classic car in his garage which he intends to restore during his spare time.  You will all be pleased to know that Tony will be visible on the circuit enjoying the events for many years to come and will next year be relaxing at the Racing Ball whilst others take care of the hard work and organisation.

As do many people, British Water Ski wishes Tony and his family the very best for the future.

As the responsible member from the Management Committee, Mike Waterman will stand as Acting Chairman until a new Chairman and Vice Chairman are appointed in the New Year.  Wayne Harvey has agreed to take on the role of Team Captain to fill this key post on the committee (read more).

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