Dorney gears up for 1500 juniors

It’ll be all hands on deck at the British Rowing tent on Friday, as more than 1500 schoolchildren arrive for the sold-out first day of the Samsung World Rowing Cup at Eton Dorney.

Many of the schoolchildren have received their tickets courtesy of a sponsorship scheme devised by the GB Rowing Team’s Nathaniel Reilly O’Donnell – which has seen 44 businesses and individuals offering £150 each to fund a class of 30 children to attend.

More than 50 schools are benefiting from the scheme, and staff and volunteers at the British Rowing tent are ready to make sure that the children are well-entertained between races.

“Rowing continues to benefit from the Olympic and Paralympic legacy, and the demand for rowing amongst young people has never been greater,” said Simon Dickie, British Rowing’s Head of Youth & Community and Participation. “Clubs, schools and universities across the country are reporting record memberships and demand for learn to row courses, and this demand is clearly illustrated by the 1500 young people from dozens of schools who have applied to attend the World Rowing Cup on Friday.

“British Rowing will be showcasing indoor rowing, gig rowing, ocean rowing, para-rowing and much more across the weekend, to the many thousands of young people and other spectators.”

Indoor Rowing races will be running throughout the World Cup weekend – offering children and adults, newcomers to rowing and old hands alike the opportunity to take on their friends and family on the indoor rowing machines.

Don’t fancy rowing yourself? There’s plenty more on offer at the British Rowing tent. Take a closer look at the Sea Cadet’s ‘Trinity’ boat – a four-person rowing boat with a very different look and feel to the fine boats you’ll see on Dorney Lake.

There will also be a Treasure Hunt Passport for young rowing fans to complete – encompassing the whole Eton Dorney venue – including a prize-draw to win a mega British Rowing goody bag.

“We’re planning to showcase the many and varied opportunities that are available in rowing, alongside the fantastic competition taking place on Dorney Lake,” said British Rowing Project Officer Jacqui Beer, who will be down at the British Rowing tent all weekend.

“We’ll also have representatives from our Young Persons’ Panel , who are looking forward to chatting to lots of young rowers over the course of the weekend.  Come and say hello!”

If you’ve been lucky enough to get a ticket make sure you pop along to the British Rowing tent – situated next to the bar and catering facilities, opposite the big screen.

There are still tickets available for ‘Super Semi Saturday’, buy yours at www.wrcupetondorney2013.com/spectators/tickets.

Fancy having a go at rowing yourself? Find out how at www.britishrowing.org/taking-part.

Interested in rowing stats?  Read more about how the sport is growing at www.britishrowing.org/news/2013/june/20/british-rowing-membership-keeps-rising