Staines BC named Surrey Sports Club of the Year

Staines Boat Club has been voted Sports Club of the Year 2013 at the annual Surrey Sports awards, held on 5 December at Kempton Park Race course.

The award recognises the hard work that has been taking place at Staines BC over the last 12 months, with the judges particularly impressed by the club’s community work and the links that it has forged with local secondary schools. Pupils have received weekly coaching sessions on indoor rowing machines as part of the Dry Start programme, with a view to moving them on to rowing on the water in the spring.

This year has seen the launch of the club’s Explore Rowing Programme, aimed at getting more people in the local area involved in rowing. As part of this initiative, Staines BC has introduced ‘Oarsome Foursomes’, a four-week rowing course for adults culminating in a fun regatta. The club has also welcomed its first para-rowers and is hoping to expand this section.

In order for Staines BC to further develop its community work, it has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise £1 million for a new boathouse. This will provide first rate facilities to the whole of the local community and will cater for the ever growing membership.

The award is testament to the dedication and commitment of all the volunteers who help run the Club. Congratulations to all at Staines BC.

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