London Otters to row distance from London to Paris on rowing machines on Saturday

Rowers from the London Otters, one of the world’s largest LGBT+ rowing clubs, are raising funds this Saturday to support members competing in August’s Gay Games in Paris

The London Otters – one of the world’s largest LGBT+ rowing clubs – has 76 members travelling to the French capital to compete in the Gay Games from 4-12 August. To mark the occasion and raise £3,000 for the club, the London Otters will be rowing 344km – the distance from London to Paris – on indoor rowing machines this Saturday at St Anne’s Churchyard in Soho, central London.

Mike Malyon, London Otters Fundraising Officer, said: “We have a long waiting list of people wanting to join our club so this provides an opportunity to raise some much-needed funds so more LGBT+ people and allies can get out on the water.”

The 2018 Gay Games has attracted over 10,000 competitors from over 80 countries representing the LGBT+ community across 36 different sports. The rowing will take place at Lac de Vaires-sur-Marne with over 250 rowers competing.

We are sending by far the largest rowing delegation to the Games and have been training hard

Club Chairman Craig Batton added: “The London Otters Rowing Club are so proud to be sending such a large delegation to this year’s Gay Games in Paris. We are sending by far the largest rowing delegation to the Games and have been training hard. This is a real opportunity for our members to not only represent the London Otters and LGBT+ athletes but also the UK.”

The London Otters was established in 2014 by Warwick Lobban and Grant Ralph to help break down some of the barriers that prevent LGBT+ individuals getting involved in sport.

Find out more about Saturday’s challenge here.