London 2012's official electricity supplier EDF and partners London Youth Rowing (LYR) launched the Community Rowing Challenge at the London Eye.

The initiative involves youngsters from Hackney, Havering, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, who will make the transition from training on rowing machines to competing on water for the challenge, the date of which is to be confirmed.

In total, 40 children are involved in the challenge and will benefit from working with Paralympic gold medal winning rower Tom Aggar, Katherine Grainger, the double scull world champion and France's Sydney 2000 gold medal winner Jean-Christophe Rolland (pictured below at the launch).

"It's going to be tough for them, it's going to be a gradual progress, but that's what rowing and a commitment to improve as an individual and a team in sport is all about," said Grainger.


"The EDF Community Rowing Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate sportsmanship amongst young people and highlight the role that the Olympic and Paralympic Games can play in demonstrating the value of teamwork and commitment.

"I'm looking forward to watching our talented young teams progress over the coming months."

London Mayor Boris Johnson also backed behind the challenge and said: "This is a great example of how the 2012 Games are helping to deliver a sporting legacy for young people, inspiring them to try out new activities and get fit.

"I wish all the competitors who are taking part in this fantastic challenge the very best of luck."

London Youth Rowing will be supplying expert coaches to work with the schools.


The schools involved are Cardinal Pole in Hackney, Connaught School in Waltham Forest, Stepney Green in Tower Hamlets, Palmer Catholic Academy (pictured above) in Redbridge and Royal Liberty School in Havering.

Gareth Wynn, EDF's London 2012 programme director, said: "As an official partner of London 2012 EDF is focused on helping to deliver a positive lasting legacy for the Games.

"The EDF Community Rowing Challenge is an opportunity for aspiring young athletes to take inspiration from the Games and from incredible rowers, to develop self-discipline, teamwork and a competitive spirit that will help them fulfil their ambitions in the future.

"I'm sure they will rise to the challenge."

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Photos: British Rowing