London Youth Rowing, in conjunction with Concept2, have announced a record entry of 28 boroughs for the indoor rowing event at this year’s London Youth Games on Sunday 1st July.

The surge in interest in what is one of the gateway sports of the 21st century – youngsters from just 15 boroughs competed in the 2006 event – follows a carefully co-ordinated programme of 16 indoor rowing development events across the capital.

The indoor rowing competition at the Youth Games has been moved to a bigger arena at Crystal Palace, and will feature a one hour ‘race-off’ live on the festival stage at midday on Saturday June 30. The growth is even more impressive, given that last year’s competition was a non-scoring development event.

Matt Rostron, Programme Director for LYR, said: “The organisers told us they expected ten boroughs to enter last year, at best, so to get 15 was really pleasing. To get 28 out of 33 London boroughs competing this year is amazing.

“It is a reward for an awful lot of hard work in those development events, promoting indoor rowing as a sport, helping with selection and offering coaching. Concept2 gave us ten race machines, our own screen and projector, and people like Penny Cuthbert - Development Officer and Paul Johnson – Community Sports Coach at the London Regatta Centre in Newham, did the rest. The response has far outshone our expectations”

LYR has had invaluable feedback from the borough organisers who set up their Development Events. Regular reports have been filed, and are available on the website www.londonyouthrowing.com.

For details contact mrostron@londonyouthrowing.com