Rowing recognised as a truly inclusive sport
British Rowing has been awarded the Intermediate level of sport’s Equality Standard, joining a group of only six national governing bodies of sport to have achieved the award.
Catherine Hughes, Head of Equality and Diversity at Sport England said “Congratulations to everyone at British Rowing for having successfully achieved the Intermediate level of the Equality Standard. This recognises the efforts that Rowing has made to ensure it is open, accessible and welcoming to all.”
Rosemary Napp, National Manager said she was delighted with the news; “Equality is at the heart of everything we do in rowing and in achieving the Intermediate Standard we have been able to demonstrate our commitment to improving the experience for everyone involved.”
British Rowing’s flagship participation programme, ‘Explore Rowing’, set out to broaden the appeal of rowing in 2009 and has so far increased participation in our clubs, attracting new and returning rowers. Rowing and competition for disabled people is a popular and increasing area of the sport, as is family-oriented coastal rowing and rowing for retired groups.
Tackling the misconception that the sport is elite will continue to underpin our communications strategy and we will strive to ensure that the accessibility of the sport and our values and principles are reflected through all media.
We have worked successfully with black and ethnic minority groups in many locations including Birmingham, London and Slough, and we are committed to exploring all opportunities to bring rowing to the widest audience.
Keeping our junior rowers safe and happy is at the focus of our model Safeguarding and Protecting Children policy and workshops. A strong programme of ‘masters’ events for our more mature rowers means they are able to keep rowing, and even competing on the international stage, well in to their 80s.
We’re very proud that this is truly a sport for all – our volunteers are invaluable to us and as a sport we are working hard to ensure we meet our participation targets across all groups. As we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our highly talented rowers at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, we will be working hard on the legacy of more disabled rowers taking part in our sport, under the new banner of ‘Rowability’.
05.03.2012
