A special needs school from London will compete at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC), hosted by London Youth Rowing (LYR).
On 1 March, over 2,000 young people from clubs and schools will head to London’s iconic Copper Box Arena at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Returning this year is Bromley-based Drumbeat School & ASD Service.
The London Borough of Lewisham based school is a 4-19 special needs school for autism and engages with LYR’s Active Row initiative.
Originating in London, LYR’s flagship school rowing programme, Active Row, is now delivered across the country throughout Yorkshire, Kent, Nottingham and London. Active Row combines both indoor and on-water rowing, with a firm focus on improving equality, inclusivity and diversity. A study which assessed a four-year period of Active Row London found that the programme provides a significant boost to the mental and physical health of participants, whilst generating more than £17million of social benefits annually.
2023’s edition of NJIRC saw over 150 young people with special educational needs or a disability (SEND) enter. Drumbeat School last year secured a clean sweep of the national rankings in the Year 13 Boys SEND race, whilst also entering students across three age group categories. The school will be returning to the Copper Box Arena for 2024’s event.
NJIRC, widely regarded as the most inclusive and accessible indoor rowing event in the world, will see medals awarded at both London and Leeds venues before an overall winner is announced for each category once both events have been completed. Racing will take place for all age groups from Year 7 to Year 13, with individual and relay events, including for young people with special educational needs or a disability.
Race The Thames Live, the corporate 72km rowing challenge, will again be running alongside the event in London, as per previous years.
Matt Rostron, LYR CEO, said: “Since 2007, NJIRC has provided young people the opportunity to take part in an inclusive and accessible event where everybody is welcome, regardless of skill, experience or background.
“We are forever grateful for the support from our key partners including Henley Royal Regatta Charity Trust (HRRCT) and British Rowing who have supported with the running the events over the years, as part of the commitment from both organisations to make rowing as inclusive and accessible as possible.”
Schools, clubs and groups are now encouraged to sign up for NJIRC 2024, with entries set to close in the coming days. For more information, and to enter, please visit www.njirc.co.uk
