The Parliamentary Boat Race 2016
The 2016 Parliamentary Boat Race will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 14 September in front of the House of Lords.
The annual fundraising event celebrates its 10th year in 2016 and is supported for the third time by ISPS. Culminating in a race between a boat of MPs against a boat of Peers, the day also features boats from London Youth Rowing and an adaptive rowing display to showcase disability rowing to guests watching the races
Organised under the auspices of the Parliamentary Rowing Group and with the support of ISPS, the event has raised over £20,000 for charity in recent years and will seek to raise more this year. Places at an afternoon tea reception on the House of Lords Terrace to watch the races and bid on auction prizes are now on sale with proceeds going to charity
Captain of the Lords’ Boat and a Co-Chairman of the Parliamentary Rowing Group, Lord Thomas of Gresford said “The Parliamentary Boat Race is an excellent way for Members of both Houses of Parliament to raise money for charity and promote a fantastic sport in a fun way. We’re very grateful to ISPS and Dr Haruhisa Handa for their ongoing support in enabling this event to take place, and we are looking to grow the event and raise even more money for charity in future years.”
The Commons captain is Hendon MP and Group Co-Chairman, Dr Matthew Offord. He added “I am looking forward to another great afternoon racing on the Thames. As well as Members of Both Houses of Parliament, The Parliamentary Boat Race enables others to row on a stretch of water in front of one of the world’s most iconic buildings. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us all, and we are very pleased to be able to help promote rowing and raise money for charity this way.”
Speaking on behalf of ISPS, founder Dr Haruhisa Handa said “we are proud to once again be supporting the Parliamentary Boat Race. Sport has the unique ability to create hope, to break barriers and ultimately inspire change. Sport brings people together and unites communities around the world. The pursuit of this goal is an aspiration which we are delighted to share with the Parliamentary Rowing Group. I am looking forward to an excellent afternoon and to raising funds for such a worthy cause”.
