World Rowing Championships Adopt-a-Nation scheme
30 groups of young people came to the WRC between Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd August, as part of the adopt-a-nation scheme.
There were approximately 650 to 700 youngsters in total from associations including the sea cadets, girl guides, local youth groups, London Youth Rowing and associated groups, the Cornish Pilot Gig Assoc, Southampton clubs and youth groups and rowing clubs from as near as Marlow and as far as Bradford and Norwich.
All groups received free tickets to the enclosure and free grandstand seating. Many groups got in to the spirit of the scheme and came dressed in the colours of their adopted nation and waved flags and cheered for foreign nations.
The ARA ran an indoor rowing competition for youngsters of all ages with medals presented each day. Lizzie Webb ran aerobics sessions which proved to be great fun despite some initial reluctance by the youngsters to join in.
Many ‘ex’ international GB athletes came along to coach on the ergos, talk to the youngsters, join in the aerobics, sign autographs and present medals. Their presence and great work made the day really special for many of the young people.
It was particularly good to see several non-rowing groups attend, have fun and even some success in the indoor rowing competition, meet our international athletes and hopefully go away with a positive view of our sport.
Thanks need to go to Nigel Weare and Steve Wicks (Slough BC Sports Development) for their help both in the organisation of the scheme and over the 3 days at the champs.