2005
Mr Albert Woods
HonMSc to mark his prominence as a sportsman, sports organiser and administrator.
Albert Woods is the Vice-Chairman of the British Olympic Association. His award reflects his success as a canoeist as well as his contributions to training and the management of competitive canoeing at all levels, including several Olympic Games.
Albert started canoeing at 17 when he joined Nottingham Kayak Club and went on to compete with the British Canoe Slalom and Wildwater teams. In 1971 he took part in the first British decent of the Grand Canyon River Colorado, conquering some of the world's most dangerous rapids. Two years later he became British Team Manager for Canoe Slalom while continuing to compete in events like the World Championships.
Through the International Canoe Federation, he has featured prominently at the Olympics down the years and was chief official for canoeing at Barcelona in 1992. He is currently President of the British Canoe Union and has been Vice-Chairman of the British Olympic Association since 1999.