When in later life they are asked in a job interview to give an example of how they have ‘overcome adversity’ they should remember this victory!
The Brentford Boat Club J14 coxed quad won gold medals at the Junior Sculling Head of the River race at Dorney today (Monday 23 March).
The race is an annual national competition attended by schools and clubs throughout the UK, (called a ‘Scullery’ because it promotes sculling, a form of rowing where each athlete has two oars, rather than one). Dorney Lake is Eton College’s rowing centre, where the 2012 Olympics rowing and canoeing events were held.
“All our crews who competed today did very well, but the icing on the cake was the gold medals won by our committed team of thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds from local state schools” a spokesperson for the Club told The Chsiwick Calendar.
“We are very proud of all our athletes. Just six weeks ago, Brentford Boat Club had no boats, no access to the water and no gym space. Our young athletes have maintained their fitness by training in parks and on the streets, continuing a schedule of training six days a week”.
From weed clearing to medal winning
The Club say they are grateful for the support of Hounslow Council, who have found them a new home in Dukes Meadows where the old Chiswick Boathouse once stood.
READ ALSO: Brentford Boat Club finds new home in Dukes Meadows
The site had not been used for five years, so the young athletes (and some of their parents) had to clear all the weeds and mud in order to restore the old slipway and get access to the water.
They are also grateful to the other local rowing clubs who have rallied round to help them:
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of the rowing community, we have been given and lent boats and other equipment, which meant that we were able to compete at the Scullery Head today”.
Brentford Boat Club gives local school children the opportunity to row. Theye are a diverse and welcoming club catering for beginners right through to our performance squad. They are about to start a new ‘Learn to Row’ programme after the Easter holidays.
Please go to www.brentfordboatclub.com for more information.
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