Police in Barking and Dagenham have been jumping on board with London Youth rowing in a variety of ways.
The relationship began through working with Longbridge Youth Club when LYR instructed PC Graham Mann in becoming a dry rowing instructor and have invited youth club members to supervised activities at the Royal Docks. PC Mann has since taken 15 young people from Barking and Dagenham to the Royal Docks some of whom had never been on the water.
By the end of the week the young people were competitively rowing against each other and other clubs before receiving prizes and goody bags.
Longbridge Youth Club has an affiliation with London Youth Rowing for a number of years. The organisation provides rowing throughout the London Boroughs in an attempt to improve fitness, self esteem and the well being of young people.
The cheque, provided by the Police Property Act Fund in the amount of £2650 will be used to continue youth rowing activities in schools and community spaces in Barking and Dagenham. This will include the use of dry rowing machines and water based activity.
PC Graham Mann said: “When setting up my youth clubs, I shall be encouraging the activities of London Youth Rowing and attempt to make young people more aware of the sport while also promoting fitness and self esteem.”
For more information on London Youth Rowing go to www.londonyouthrowing.com
Story and photo from the Met Police Website.