Grassroots rowing showcased at Parliamentary Sports Fair

Yesterday (13 September), the Parliamentary Sports Fair was held in the Palace of Westminster, and provided an opportunity for MPs and Peers to find out more about grassroots rowing.

The event was organised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, as part of their #GetYourKitOn campaign to encourage Members of Parliament to support community sport and recreation. As part of the event, the Parliamentary Rowing Group welcomed representatives of British Rowing, who briefed Members on the their work to encourage participation across the UK.

There was an opportunity for Members to test themselves on a rowing machine, and also to hear about how they could get involved with the sport in their own constituencies.

Speaking after the event, Chairman of the Parliamentary Rowing Group and Member of Parliament for Hendon, Dr Matthew Offord, said “I am delighted that Members of Parliament were able to find out more about rowing in their constituencies at the inaugural Parliamentary Sports Fair. I would encourage all colleagues to join the Parliamentary Rowing Group, attend our regular meetings, and find out more about the sport.”

Group Co-Chairman Lord Thomas of Gresford added “rowing is a fantastic way for people to be active, and keep fit. British Rowing are doing excellent work across the UK England to provide opportunities for all to take part, and I hope that our recent Olympic and Paralympic successes will inspire the next generation of rowers.”

Kenny Baillie, British Rowing’s Director of Partnerships and Communications, discussed the work being done at the grassroots level with Parliamentarians. He said “British Rowing is working hard to ensure that the sport is accessible to all. Rowing is a sport for everyone, and we need to make sure that everyone is aware of opportunities to get into a boat or get onto an indoor or off-water rowing machine, get active and enjoy recreational and competitive sport.”