INDOOR ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS | EVENT PREVIEW
This weekend, The Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre (CBWAC) is hosting two of indoor rowing’s biggest events. In its seventh year, the Welsh Schools Indoor Rowing Championships is taking place today and will be followed tomorrow with the British Indoor Rowing Championships, at the Sport Wales National Centre at Sophia Gardens.
The Welsh Schools Indoor Rowing Championships are open to all UK schools and this year has welcomed a record number of entries. Recruited from 20 schools in Wales and England, more than 700 children between the ages of 11 and 18, will be taking to the water to compete in individual timed, distance races as well as, what we are advised will be, heated, highly contested team events.
The British Indoor Rowing Championships (BIRC) is one of the world’s most prominent indoor rowing races and the UK’s largest indoor sports event. There will be races of up to two kilometres to complete in the fastest time. The event is an opportunity for rowers from across the country to test the water, so to speak, of competition at a national level.
Indeed, BIRC has become crucial to the process of identifying potential for the Great British rowing squad. The great Sir Steve Redgrave won the Men’s Open event at the very first British Championships in 1991. He is now the honorary president of the Championship and the Steve Redgrave Trust is its official charity.
The Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Ramesh Patel, said: “Both rowing and indoor rowing have become successful competitions at CWBAC and the centre has become well-known for its excellent provisions; offering a successful youth programme, hosting University students and elite athletes. I wish everyone participating every success.”
words REBECCA MARTIN
photo DOROTHY FINLEY
Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, Fri 6 Dec-Sat 7 Dec, All day. Info: 02920 353912 / www.therowingcompany.com