CAL Naidoo was the recent recipient of a Fingal County Council/Sport Ireland sports club volunteer of the year award, having been nominated by Cheval Riding Club.
Although she is on the committee, Cal was unaware of the praise bestowed on her by her fellow club members when they nominated her back in December. Aptly, the ceremony was held at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport, Cal having worked at the airport for many years. These days, she spends much of her time looking after her beloved 18-year-old skewbald gelding Reggie and two horses she has on livery for friends.
Cheval said of Cal: “Cal Naidoo is the heart and soul of Cheval Riding Club’s volunteer team, and truly deserves the Volunteer of the Year award. As our practically full-time grounds maintenance superstar, Cal ensures the arena is always in top condition - harrowed and levelled at least three times a week - with each maintenance session taking up to two hours. Every visitor who enjoys our facilities has Cal to thank for the condition of the grounds they find on arrival at not just Cheval, but also at hired events.
“But Cal’s contributions don’t stop there. She’s the friendly face of Cheval, handling call-up duties at Friday evening shows and our other competitions. Her fun-loving nature and energetic personality create an encouraging spirit that lifts all our competitors. Cal is always there to celebrate milestones, whether someone is moving up from cross-poles to 40cm jumps, and she never misses a chance to acknowledge the achievements of our competitors.
“While Cal is an avid Riding Club rider herself, it’s her commitment to the club, her generous offering of time and expertise, and her infectious enthusiasm that truly set her apart. Her personality draws people back to Cheval time and again, forging connections with our young competitors - the future of our club and its grounds.’
Cal will be on duty when Cheval host the second leg of the AIRC North East Region/GoTu Trailers show jumping league at their Jordanstown grounds on Sunday, March 1st.