Durham Amateur Rowing Club recently launched three new boats. These boats are additional equipment to provide opportunities for children and young people, particularly for the disadvantaged and disabled, to enable them to get involved in sport and recreation.
The boats and sculls were purchased in partnership with Gilesgate Sports College, the Gilesgate Youth Community Association and the rowing club.
The Gilesgate children were awarded funds from the Durham County Police Community Fund and the Durham County Council Youth Opportunities Fund whilst the Club funds came from a Charity Auction and fund raising evening held by the Dun Cow Public House in Old Elvet, Durham and from The Rowing Foundation which is a national charity providing funding for children and young people including the disabled and disadvantaged.
One of the boats is a top quality lightweight racing boat which was named “Gilesgate” by Mike Brett the Headmaster of Gilesgate Sports College and Norman Baulks from the Police Federation.
The other two boats are wide stable recreational boats suitable for use by beginners, disabled people and others wanting to get involved in rowing.
The double sculling boat was named “Dun Cow” by Mike Leonard the landlord of the Dun Cow and the single was named “Evergreen” by Peter Burdess the club’s adaptive rowing coach and Rachel Dobinson from Evergreen Special School – one of the County Special Schools who use the club’s facilities.
Including six pairs of sculls the total cost of the equipment was in excess of £12,000
Club Captain, Mark Bell said that “The new equipment helps us offer a complete package for whoever wants to take up the sport, from beginners, adaptive and recreational users to those with aspirations to compete at the top level.