So we're joining in with London 2012 Open Weekend this year to help open up the sport, make it more accessible. Over the weekend we'll have hundreds of crews from around the country competing at one of the largest inland open regattas in the country. And we’re inviting everyone in the area to come and watch, see the sport live and think about giving it a go.
Today I was in Trafalgar Square with representatives from around the UK who are also taking part (they ranged from circus performers to disability dance). I was there with Steve, who came to us 18 months ago having never rowed before. He's now got his sights on competing in 2012 and has every chance of making it. From a short, skinny kid to where he is now, he’s our way of showing everyone’s got potential.
It's great to be a part of the run up to the Olympics. It's really important for our small town and having over a thousand people come along to something like the regatta will also help create a groundswell of support for the Games.
I know I'll be taking a couple of weeks off in 2012 to get down to see some action – how often do you get a world-stage of sport on your doorstep?
