Dudley Rower set to make waves in rowing challenge
Dudley based rower Lee Felton will be taking on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic challenge this December after being inspired by the ‘Let’s Get rowing’ program delivered in Netherton in Dudley.
Dudley based rower Lee Felton will be taking on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic challenge this December after being inspired by the ‘Let’s Get rowing’ program delivered in Netherton in Dudley.
The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic challenge is a 35 team race in who can be first to row 3,000 miles unaided across the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in the Canary Islands and finishing in Antigua, Lee’s team of four will be rowing to raise awareness of the ‘Rape Crisis England and Wales’ and ‘Sport for Freedom’ charities.
As a member of Dudley Rowing Club, Lee and his ‘Square One Atlantic’ team are aiming to row self-sufficiently starting on the 15 December. Rowing around the clock in two hour shifts for up to 90 days, the team will battle stormy weather conditions, sleep deprivation and extreme exhaustion.
As part of the ‘Lets Get’ campaign to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles, Dudley Council is working in conjunction with British Rowing to deliver a programme of rowing opportunities in Dudley. The programme is aimed at ages 11 and over and is encouraging Dudley residents to start rowing.
The sessions are led by qualified instructors and cater to all abilities. Taster sessions and learn to row courses teach basic skills for rowing and building confidence in the water. For more advanced rowers, daytime rowing sessions take place in the open water and indoor rowing sessions aim to develop strength and fitness, indoors with rowing machines.
As well as rowing, Dudley Water-sports Centre is also offering an all year round activity programme with waterskiing and wakeboarding, sailing, diving and other sports. See www.dudleywatersports.com for the full activity programme.
Chris Farrell, British Rowing Strategic Officer, said: “The Let’s Get initiative has been very successful across the Dudley Borough so far. Encouraging residents of the Borough to be more involved in physical activity using the sport of rowing. Seeing how our joint project initiatives are inspiring people to go on and perform in such an event is amazing. We wish Lee and his team the best of luck in their adventure across the Atlantic.”
Lee’s team are currently into the last 66 days of their preparations and are currently opening out to the rowing world for extra support. They are firstly looking for a 4th rowing member who might be able to join them on the challenge. They are also working long hours to raise £14,500 to get themselves to the start line and be able to race in the event. The team are looking for a number of sponsors in which they will advertise on their boat, clothes and website. This includes a competition to name the boat. For more information or to support Lee and his team check out their website at http://squareoneatlantic.com
Note to editors:
For more information on the ‘Lets Get’ initiative, and the activities programme, Dudley Council’s physical activity team can be contacted on:
01384 816460 or balraj.johal@dudley.gov.uk
Team information can be found at:
