The Extra-OAR-dinary effort of the Rowing Team at the University of York Boat Club has been given the investment and recognition is deserves this month as news came in that The University of York is to become one of 10 British Rowing centres in the UK for the development of its World Class Start Olympic pathway programme.
The aims of the program are to identify, aid and develop the Olympic athletes of tomorrow, with the aspiring goal of reaching a place on the Great Britain Rowing Team.
This programme encourages the stars of tomorrow to “push themselves to levels they previously believed were not attainable”, which is achieved through “access to world-class coaches and facilities” and Rigg-erous training within the city of York.
The programme requires no previous experience to partake and describes itself as “feeding on hungry youngsters who wish to gain a foothold”, pointing out the sport’s rise due to the publicity and success of recent Olympic Games.
University of York Boat Club President, Chris Cummings, tells Vision that the recognition by British Rowing as one of ten world class Start Centres in the UK is “an honour” that the club has achieved through “working hard, on the water and behind the scenes” the club feel that it’s great to be rewarded for a lot of the work that they have put in.
Cummings believes that this new status will have huge positives on the club “the biggest of all”, he explains “is that a GB Start coach, Matt is regularly down at the boathouse.” Cummings praises Matt as having been “fantastic with the club”, especially through his help this year with both men’s and women’s senior squads.
Cummings moves on to highlight that the recent changes to the club have seen an increase in the number of single sculls that the club has at their disposal, commenting “these have been of a huge benefit to the club members, as it has allowed us to go out in smaller boats which is better at improving technique on the water.”
The Boat Club’s ongoing close partnership with the University over a number if years have led to a real improvement in rowing infrastructure, Cummings said “We now have some of the nicest gym facilities that a boat club could wish for, with a brilliant weights room and dedicated ergo room at the Heslington West sports centre.”
The Ouse itself is a factor in the Rowing Clubs success and no doubt new Olympic Pathway status. Cummings believes “the Ouse is one of the nicest rivers to row on”, both in practical terms as “as we get over 30km of river, so we don’t have to keep spinning every few kilometres,” and he adds, in terms of scenery. “”we also get to row through the beautiful town centre.”
“This is a great step forward for the Boat Club, and we hope that it will be the catalyst that we need to take us up to the next level as a club.” says Cummings.
To get involved in rowing in York, check out UYBC’s website http://uybc.org.uk/