Thousands of Juniors compete at 2014 NJIRC

More than 2500 rowers took part in the world’s biggest indoor rowing competition on Friday – the eighth National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships.

Held at the Lea Valley Athletics Centre in North London, NJIRC 2014 attracted thousands of juniors, coaches and parents from across the country to compete.

With approximately 100 rowing machines set up throughout centre, the competition comprised of individual rowers and relay teams from Years 7 to 13 with other activities happening throughout the day including climbing, Rowactiv ‘Rowing to Music’ demonstrations and much more.

Among the crowds of competitors was many a famous face from the rowing world. London 2012 Silver medallist and London Youth Rowing Programme Director Mark Hunter was there to cheer on and give a helping hand to all those competing, as well as this year’s Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race crews.

“Today has been a massive success,” said Mark. “We’ve seen so many kids enjoying themselves competing, socialising and really getting stuck in. The turnout has been incredible and it’s been a long day but a fun day.”

The event was hosted by London Youth Rowing and co-hosted by British Rowing and The Boat Race Company, with volunteers from the University of East London also holding a separate rowing competition with cash prizes.

The College of North East London was also on hand, with students practising their special effects make up and giving the juniors the appearance of having wounds and scars – earning some very concerned double-takes!

The day was generally considered to be the most successful NJIRC to date, and a huge thank you goes to all those who competed, volunteered and cheered the rowers on.

Provisional results from all of Friday’s races are now available at www.londonyouthrowing.com/2014/03/21/results-provisional-results-from-todays-racing.

Our top photos from the day, including a special gallery of rowers thanking their teachers and coaches, are available now on the British Rowing Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BritishRowing.

Catherine Maude