We helped give 5000 children from Gateshead a chance to row on the Tyne Estuary.
Home of champions
We have a strong tradition of rowing in the UK - in the 19th century, Gateshead was home to world champion rowers, and we are very proud of our recent Olympic Champions Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pincent.
Children in need of a hobby
Gateshead is a deprived area with high rates of childhood obesity. To provide local children with a healthy hobby we helped establish a new Tyne United Rowing Club by funding a set of rowing steps.
In addition, Gateshead council put rowing machines in all their secondary schools and organised lunch time and after school rowing leagues for children.
Tyne United Rowing Club
Tyne United Rowing Club became officially established on 26 April 2007. It promotes competitive rowing at all levels and ages on the River Tyne. It welcomes members of any ages, ability and background.
Funding
Tyne United Rowing Club has been lucky enough to receive contributions in kind from a local utility company, the Army, Durham University, Northumberland Estates and others. The icing on the cake was a win of £375,000 from Sport England to fund a permanent club house with fully accessible changing rooms and a classroom.
We hope the new rowing club will increase social inclusion in the area, and help people of all ages appreciate and enjoy the water environment. The people of Gateshead can be proud of their heritage of rowing on the Tyne once more.