A Christmas message from Di Ellis

[newsimage=0]’It’s been another wonderful year for rowing in the UK, with success for British rowers at home and abroad.

‘Explore Rowing has continued to take our sport to new audiences across the country, with more and more clubs discovering the potential of recreational rowing.

‘There are now over 100 Explore Rowing-accredited clubs, with Sea Scouts groups and watersports centres offering even more possibilities to grow our sport.

‘The GB Rowing Team continued to set the standard in international rowing this year, bringing a stunning 14 medals back from September’s World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia – 10 of which were in Olympic-class events.

‘By the end of the championships, the GB Rowing Team had qualified 13 boats for the Olympic Games and three for the Paralympics – a remarkable achievement.

‘Before that, the London 2012 Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake hosted its final test event ahead of next year’s Games – the World Rowing Junior Championships.

‘The event was a resounding success, with an army of fantastically capable and energetic volunteers giving the rowing world a glimpse of what lies in store when the world’s attention shifts to London next summer.

‘We also saw volunteers and coaches from across the country recognised in November, at the 2011 Volunteer and Coach of the Year Awards.

‘A very enjoyable awards lunch was had at the prestigious Waterman’s Hall in London, where we heard just some of the extraordinary and inspiring things that coaches, volunteers, and other club-members do every day across the country.

‘I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and to thank you for the tireless work that you continue to do to make rowing a sport for all.

‘I am sure that 2012 we will be one of the most exciting, successful, and enjoyable years in the history of our sport, and I look forward to sharing it with you all.’

Di Ellis, 2011