Newham is one of the five boroughs that will play host to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Bob Billson, SOGB's Regional Development Manager, is thrilled that the rowing launch will be held there as well. He says, "I think this is a key step in recognising the Special Olympics as part of the overall Olympics movement. This is a very exciting time for SOGB."
The event is a celebration of three separate milestones: the launch of London Youth Rowing as a new associate programme, the introduction of the sport of rowing, and the 30th anniversary of the organisation as a whole.
The following schools will be participating in the rowing event: Beal School (Essex), Beckton Post 16 JFK (Newham), Charlton School (Greenwich), Crownwoods School (Eltham), Newbridge School (Redbridge), and Royal Docks Community School (Newham). All 50 participants are under the age of 16.
The athletes will be participating in a series of races held on indoor rowing machines. Weather permitting, a demonstration of the sport will be held outdoors as well. Medals will be awarded during lunch at the end of the competition.
Victoria Wightman, Special Olympics Coordinator for London Youth Rowing, has high hopes for the launch. She says, "There is great excitement leading up to this event, as it truly is the first of its kind in the UK. We hope it will show how big of a sport rowing has become amongst our Special Olympics athletes."
