Blair's sports foundation backs indoor rowing contest (From The Northern Echo)

Blair's sports foundation backs indoor rowing contest

2:35pm Tuesday 16th February 2010 in

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AN INDOOR rowing contest supported by Tony Blair’s sports foundation will be held in the North-East next month.

The North-East regional final of the first Get Going, Get Rowing championships will take place at Durham University’s Maiden Castle sports ground on Tuesday, March 2.

Heats have been held across the region since September.

The best 192 young rowers will represent their home counties of County Durham, Tees Valley, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, competing on rowing machines wired up to a live projection.

The contest is supported by the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, set up by the former Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP, and also involves Sport Universities North East England, Concept 2, British Rowing and the North East Strategic Health Authority.

An event spokeswoman said: "Indoor rowing is taking off across the country as an individual sport, as well as continuing to be a training aid for water-based rowing and other sports.

"Competition in indoor rowing provides motivation, sustainability and encourages competitive interest.

"A major benefit for young people who enjoy indoor rowing is the possibility of continued participation beyond school."