Parliamentary Rowing Group hears from Parkside Community College Cambridge

Yesterday evening (Monday 24 April) the All-Party Parliamentary Rowing Group welcomed Parkside Community College Cambridge to the Palace of Westminster.

The Group, which comprises Members of both Houses of Parliament and all major political parties, as well as organisational and individual associate members, has the singular remit to support the sport of rowing.

Parkside Community College Headteacher, Jodh Dhesi, made a presentation to the Group on the Parkside Rowing Challenge, which saw pupils row the length of the Thames, and discussed opportunities to develop rowing in state schools.

Speaking after the meeting, Group Co-Chairman Lord Thomas of Gresford said “Members of the Group were delighted to welcome Jodh to Parliament, and hear about Parkside Community College’s excellent work to provide rowing opportunities for their pupils. I hope that the rowing challenge which pupils completed is something that can be rolled out across more schools in the United Kingdom, to give more young people the opportunity to try this fantastic sport.”

Jodh Dhesi added “it was fantastic to see the impact that the Parkside Rowing Challenge had on those taking part. Our main obstacle to expanding the challenge is funding, but we are hopeful that if we can secure this, we will be able to provide opportunities for more pupils to take part. I hope that the challenge is something that other state schools will consider, as the pupils taking part not only enjoyed all the health benefits that the sport brings, but also developed skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”