12 hour sponsored row for all....

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 19th of November 2013

Between 10am and 10pm on Thursday 14 November, over 50 adults and young people from Oundle School, Oundle Town Rowing Club (OTRC) and groups affiliated to Northamptonshire Disability Rowing Association took part in an indoor 12 hour sponsored row to raise money for NDRA's fundraising campaign to enable the purchase of a new disability rowing quad for the river.

Pupils from Oundle School rowed as part of their afternoon sport session in 7 minute slots organised by Head of Rowing, George Maitre.

George commented, 'Just over 30 members of the School Boat Club took part throughout the afternoon contributing 7mins of rowing each. The pupils worked really hard driving the total distance on, and were keen to do more. They all thoroughly enjoyed taking part and can rightly feel proud of their achievement and contribution.'
Groups and individuals from HFT Market Harborough, Titans Youth Group and Oundle Towns Sunday Inclusive Rowing Club took part in the morning session with OTRC members joining in throughout the day and in to the evening.

In total 152,000 metres was clocked up over the 12 hours (the equivalent of rowing across the English Channel 4 1/2 times) with participants rowing for anything between 300 metres and 7000 metres.

NDRA's Development Officer, Steve Rustage commented, 'The event was a great success with fantastic enthusiasm from all participants. What I really enjoyed was seeing disabled and non-disabled working together with two aims, one to row and the other to raise money so other disabled rowers would get the benefit of a new boat. The rower who raised most money who raised the most money has received a family ticket for a race event at Rockingham next year. We are continuing with the raffle until the end of November so you still have a chance to win a family ticket for Rockingham next year. Contact me on 07411322103 if you would like a ticket."

The first rower off the blocks in the morning was Colin Bullock of OTRC. As the row crossed the 150,000 metre mark, Daniel Forcutt was rowing and at 10pm Si Watson rowed the final strokes to finish off the event.

NDRA are grateful to all participants and sponsors of the event, which has so far raised in excess of £1500. Anyone wishing to sponsor this event can do so through the Virgin Money Giving link below:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=sponsoredrow2013

Oundle School and NDRA have been working closely this year with pupils involved in disability rowing sessions at OTRC on Wednesday afternoons as part of the School's extensive Community Action Programme. NDRA have provided rowing support at the School's bi-annual Have a Go Days for adults and children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

Head of Community Action, Liz Dillarstone commented, 'The mutually beneficial partnership between NDRA and Oundle School is growing from strength to strength with new ideas and activities in the pipe-line. Our pupils are privileged to be able to work with Steve Rustage and Anita Dunn teaching rowing at OTRC to young people with disabilities. Our Have a Go Day guests enjoyed the new rowing activity introduced in April. We will certainly be repeating the sponsored row again next year. Seeing all sorts of people from novices to keen rowers working together was great to watch.'

For further details of this event, our bi-annual Have a Go Days and the School's Community Action programme, contact Liz Dillarstone, Head of Community Action ca@oundleschool.org.uk /01832 277267