Kevin and Dave have been top-notch competitors in the Nelson Downriver Race for many years.
Dave Thomas (left) presents the Outstanding Paddler Award to Dave Howard. Kevin was not present to accept the award as he was being a good Dad and left to attend his childrens' soccer matches.
The Outstanding Paddler Award occupies a place of honor at the Nelson Center in Lovingston, Va. This honor role of paddlers goes back to 1997. The Nelson Center houses many Nelson County Communty Service organizations. The Center, a restored elementary school, is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Its contruction/renovation was a cooperative effort between non-profit and for-profit organizations as well as County, State and Federal government.
Each year the name of the Outstanding Paddler Award winner is incribed onto a brass plate that is mounted onto a paddle displayed in the Nelson Center in Lovingston, VA., the County seat of Nelson County. An additional wooden paddle is inscribed and given to the winner of the award at the culmination of the awards ceremony after the race.