The Rowing Futures conference – debate the future of rowing
On Saturday 16 November leading figures in rowing will join a full day conference to debate the future of the sport at the River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames
This year's Beach Sprints at Sandbanks (c) Drew Smith
From members of the current GB Rowing Team, to the pioneers of indoor rowing, Beach Sprints and Para-rowing, the Rowing Futures conference will consider how the sport is becoming more diverse, embracing new formats and looking to the future.
Speakers include triple Olympic gold medallist Andy Triggs-Hodge OBE and Guin Batten, Olympic silver medallist, Chair of the Women’s Head of the River.
The day offers an exciting opportunity to hear from Brendan Purcell, Director of Performance GB Rowing Team, and two members of the current GB squad, talking about their aspirations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and beyond.
Clare Holman – lead coach for Indoor Rowing for the UK Invictus Team and Go Row Indoor British Rowing, will be joining the panel to talk about the increasing popularity of Indoor Rowing in the UK and British Rowing’s role in driving that growth.
British Rowing Chair Mark Davies, who is also speaking, said: “The sporting landscape is changing and so is rowing, so it is fantastic that the River & Rowing Museum will be bringing people together to talk about the future development of the sport. With an excellent line-up of speakers, I’m sure it will be a fantastic event for everyone.”
Book your tickets!
Tickets are selling fast! Find out how to book your tickets here.
Leading figures in the sport, including Steve O’Connor, CEO of London based charity Fulham Reach Boat Club, and David Tinnion from London Youth Rowing, will be talking about how they are opening up access to the sport, providing opportunities for young people from a varied range of backgrounds the opportunity to get involved.
O’Connor said: “I’m thrilled to be taking part in the Rowing Futures Conference at the River & Rowing Museum and to get the chance to share some of the Fulham Reach BC vision.
“There are some fantastic opportunities in the near future for rowing to broaden its participation base and I’m hugely excited to be able to try and flesh this out with like-minded individuals and organisations from across the country.”
Rowing Futures conference speakers
The full list speakers is:
Andy Triggs-Hodge OBE, triple Olympic Gold Medallist, Regatta London
Brendan Purcell, Performance Director, GB Rowing Team
Clare Holman, Lead Coach for Indoor Rowing for the UK Invictus Team and Go Row Indoor British Rowing
Chris Dodd, rowing journalist and historian
David Tinnion, Chief Operations Officer, London Youth Rowing
GB Rowing Team, two members of the current team
Guin Batten, Olympic medal-winning rower, Chair of the Women’s Head of the River Race
Mark Davies, Chair, British Rowing
Richard Sinnott & Ben Dunne, Warrington Youth Rowing
Dr Robert Treharne Jones, Olympic commentator and rowing historian
Steve O’Connor, CEO, Fulham Reach Rowing Club
Gala reception for new women’s rowing exhibition – Friday 15 November
A gala event on the evening before the Rowing Futures conference will celebrate the launch of the new women’s rowing display in the International Rowing Gallery.
The highlight of the new display, The Unbeaten Boat, helped Helen Glover and Heather Stanning to win the first Olympic Gold for Team GB at the London 2012 Games. Helen Glover and coach Robin Williams will take part in a Q&A session chaired by Olympic gold medallist Greg Searle.
Summing up, Dr Sarah Posey, Director of the River & Rowing Museum Director, said: “The River & Rowing Museum houses a rowing collection of international significance, so it’s fitting that we’re the place to encourage debate about the sport.
“As part of our 21st anniversary, the conference will take inspiration from the past to engage people in its future. Special half-price tickets for under 30s will encourage a new generation to join the conversation.”
Find out more here.
