Special Olympics Great Britain
London Regatta Centre, Friday 27 June 2008
June 25, 2008—London—Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB) celebrated the launch of rowing as the newest addition to its sports repertoire. On Friday 27th June, 50 learning disabled athletes from the local Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools participated in a rowing showcase and competition at the London Regatta Centre. London Youth Rowing, a SOGB programme based in Newham, hosted the event.
Newham is one of the five boroughs that will play host to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Bob Billson, SOGB's Regional Development Manager, was thrilled that the rowing launch was held therel. He said, "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 was 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 participated 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 were under the age of 16.
The athletes participated in a series of races held on indoor rowing machines, with medals and rosettes awarded during lunch at the end of the competition.
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London Youth Rowing is a joint initiative with London Youth and the Royal Albert Dock Trust, with major sponsorship from The Man Group plc. Charity nos 303324 & 1010519
© London Youth Rowing 2007 | |
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