London Youth Rowing enjoys the action at Dorney Lake

London Youth Rowing arrived at the World Rowing Junior Championships today, bringing over 200 young people from across London’s inner cities to witness world class rowing on Dorney Lake.

The British Rowing tent played host to an army of children and volunteers clad in LYR t-shirts, on the third day of racing at the London 2012 Olympic venue.

LYR works together with British Rowing to make the sport more inclusive and accessible; offering young people across London the opportunity to experience rowing first-hand – be it on the water or at one of its mobile Learn to Row centres.

‘It’s been amazing – just so inspiring seeing such high-quality rowing,’ said LYR volunteer Stephanie Ware. ‘Watching it just makes you want to have a go yourself!’

As part of their day at the 2011 WRJC, the LYR young people and volunteers undertook a rowing-themed treasure hunt across Dorney Lake, as well as making the most of a host of rowing activities hosted within the British Rowing marquee.

British Rowing Chairman Di Ellis expressed her pleasure at seeing so many youngsters having fun at the WRJC.

‘I’m delighted to see so many young people joining in activities at the British Rowing marquee, and obviously have such a great time’, she said.

‘The atmosphere on the bank has been absolutely tremendous, with supporters of all ages and nationalities enjoying the action on and off the water.’

One of the activities on offer at the British Rowing marquee is a virtual race on the ergometers – allowing visitors an opportunity to simulate competitive rowing for themselves while the elite WRJC competitors speed along the lake mere metres away.

There are also a Kayaking simulators, and the opportunity to sign up for free British Rowing taster sessions – hour-long classes allowing beginner rowers to get out onto the water in a friendly, informative environment.

‘This has been a fantastic day for rowing,’ said British Rowing National Manager Rosemary Napp.

‘It’s been great to be able to watch the rowing on the water, but there’s been such a buzz at the British Rowing tent too!’

‘London Youth Rowing have had 200-plus youngsters here today. It’s been an absolute hive of activity, and we’ve been delighted to see young people from our local indoor rowing schemes in nearby Slough too.’