Local businesses back Plymouth rowing project

On Thursday 30th May the sun shone for the Plymouth Rowing Forum challenge. The annual corporate event is an opportunity for local businesses and groups to compete against each other in a series of challenges both on and off the water.

The challenge is the main fundraiser for the Plymouth Rowing Forum, which aims to offer young people in the city of Plymouth and surrounding areas the chance to participate in rowing. Over the past five years the project has gone from strength to strength – hundreds of school age children can access rowing both indoors and via Learn to Row courses run by community coach Kev Sellar. The project has also produced top class athletes who have gone on to be a part of ‘World Class Start’, and compete internationally. 

Six teams competed in the evening’s event including groups from Universal Maritime, Wolverstans solicitors, the Land Registry, Jolly Jacks bar and the Active Devon. Coming out on top of both the gig rowing challenge and the indoor rowing relay was a team from Universal Maritime, based in the city.

The ‘Boat Race’ relay title was won by a team from the County Sports Partnership Active Devon, led by Plymouth development officer Charlie Keene. The event couldn’t have taken place without the support from volunteers from the local rowing clubs who were able to provide equipment and man power to ensure the event was enjoyed by all. 

The event raised over £900 for the Rowing Forum, based at Plymstock School and the Mount Batten Centre. For more information on how to learn to row:

Plymouth University ‘Explore Rowing’ Adult Learn to Row scheme: [email protected] (Open to all 16+)

Plymouth Rowing Forum schools project: [email protected]

Plymouth Rowing Forum Facebook page: ‘Plymouth Rowing Forum and the PRF challenge’

Twitter: @RowWestRegion 

British Rowing Area Participation Manager: [email protected]

Rhiannon Halliday