Geoff Holt receives honorary degree
Monday 1 November 2010
A professional yachtsman, who has committed much of his life to promoting the concept of sailing for people with disabilities, has been honoured by Southampton Solent University.
Alumnus Geoff Holt MBE received the honorary degree of Doctor of Sport during a ceremony at Southampton’s Guildhall on Monday 1 November.
A marketing specialist for 15 years with an international firm of accountants, Geoff was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984. Now, he dedicates his time to sailing – with an array of magnificent accomplishments to his name.
In 1995, Geoff became the inaugural chairman of the charity RYA Sailability. He later became the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Great Britain, and this year - in his yacht Impossible Dream - he became the first quadriplegic to cross the Atlantic Ocean unassisted in all aspects of sailing.
His many awards include - the 2004 RYA award for Services to Yachting; 2007 BBC South Sports Personality of the Year; 2009 RYA Francis Elkin Award for Services to Disabled Sailing; and an MBE in 2010 for Services to Disabled Sailing.
Geoff represents disabled sailors on the national RYA Council and on the Paralympic Steering Group – responsible for discovering Paralympic sailors for 2012. He also sits on the committee of the British Paralympic Association.
Graduating from Southampton Institute (now Southampton Solent University) in 2002 with a degree in Fine Arts Valuation, Geoff has more recently become known as an author and motivational speaker.
On receiving his honorary degree Geoff said, “Graduating right here in the Guildhall in 2002 was one of the highlights in my life and, time and time again since, I’ve put that learning to use and earned real money, in fact enough money to help fund my sailing exploits.”
“And on days like today, being recognised for my efforts, in front of you all, many of you about to embark on your own journeys through life, you realise all of that hard work and effort were worth it. It is indeed a tremendous honour to receive this honorary doctorate today and I hope those who hear about it, take inspiration from my story,” he added.
More than 2000 students are graduating with degrees and professional qualifications during 10 ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall from 1-5 November.
ENDS
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