Sport England – Nurturing talent
From Sport England:
20 British rowers competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began their sporting journeys at clubs and projects funded by Sport England.
Project Oarsome, the Amateur Rowing Association’s innovative programme aimed at attracting, retaining and nurturing 11-16 year olds has received £2.21m from Sport England since 1999.
The programme has developed strong and sustainable junior sections at over 80 clubs and created links with more than 200 state schools around England.
Clubs that are involved receive single, double and quadruple sculling boats, oars, trailers, access to quality coaching and safety equipment. The schools linked to each club also receive rowing machines.
24-year-old Matt Langridge, who will represent Great Britain in the men’s eight, is one of the thousands who benefited from Sport England’s investment into grassroots talent nurturing. Matt began rowing at Northwich Rowing Club – which linked to his school through Project Oarsome. In 2001, he set the British junior record for land-rowing before going on to win the World Rowing Junior Championships.
Rosemary Napp, the Amateur Rowing Association’s National Manager, said: “Project Oarsome has provided the opportunity for talented youngsters, who would never have had the chance to experience rowing, to access the coaching, equipment and excellent club environment to nurture and develop their talent.”
Read the full story at www.sportengland.org/Nurturing_talent
