Nestles Rowing Club coach Tom Bertrand nominated the Warrnambool rower for a Victorian Sport and Recreation Association of Persons with an Intellectual Disability (VICSRAPID) award.

After the nomination, he asked members of the Skinner family if they had heard anything further, which they hadn't.

Through a phone call, they found out that Bertrand's nomination was successful and Skinner's invitation to the ceremony must have been lost in the mail.

After finding out the organisation's 16th achievers' presentation night was to be held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre the day after the call was made, some quick planning enabled Skinner to attend.

He took home the VICSRAPID perpetual award as well as an achievement medal.

``He was absolutely ecstatic,'' his mother Serena said. ``Apart from his rowing medals, he's never won anything this prestigious.

``It's all thanks to Tom and his dedication to the sport, which he does voluntarily.

``He's got a good rapport with Aaron and he's never let Aaron's disability get in the way of anything.''

Aaron, who has autism, has been involved with Nestles Rowing Club for almost five years.

One of his career highlights came in March, when he won a gold medal at the Australian Rowing Championships.

He received the perpetual award last Tuesday night from Australian basketball great Michelle Timms and Australian entertainment personality Ernie Sigley.