Students from Stepney Green School in Tower Hamlets met up with Aggar (pictured top and below), Britain's most successful Paralympic rower, at the London Regatta Centre as part of their training for the EDF final at London 2012 rowing venue Eton Dorney on May 1.

Aggar, who was paralysed in 2005 following a fall that broke his back, took up rowing as part of the rehabilitation from his injury and has dominated the single scull class ever since.

He won gold at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics and has claimed four world titles, the most recent of which came at the 2011 event in Bled, Slovenia.

The 27-year-old Londoner, who will be a huge favourite for another gold medal at this summer's Paralympics, said he had enjoyed taking time out of his training schedule to meet the youngsters.

"The young people are a credit to Stepney Green," said Aggar.

"It was wonderful to talk to them and see their enthusiasm for the EDF Community Rowing Challenge.

"They're committed to a tough training schedule and, of course, all are desperate to make the boat for the final at the Olympic rowing venue.

"The challenge is a great initiative, using the Olympic values to inspire young people to come together as a team, learn a new sport and do their best for themselves, the team and their school."


Pupil Sayeed Ahmed said that it had been a big thrill to meet Aggar.

"It was brilliant," said Ahmed.

"I enjoy rowing as a hobby and have been doing it for a long time so meeting Tom has been a bonus and really inspiring for me."

EDF, the Official Partner and Electricity Supplier of London 2012, launched the challenge in partnership with the British Rowing Association and London Youth Rowing (LYR) to inspire people ahead of the Games.

Coaches at LYR have been working with five Olympic and Olympic Gateway Borough schools, including Cardinal Pole in Hackney, Royal Liberty in Havering, Palmer Catholic Academy in Redbridge, and Connaught in Waltham Forest, since the start of the year.

"As an official partner of London 2012, EDF is focused on helping to deliver a positive lasting legacy for the Games," Jean-Christophe Rolland, EDF project lead and Olympic gold-medal winner in the coxless pairs at Sydney 2000.

"We want to use the Olympic values to inspire these young people, not just in sport but to also provide life skills to help them achieve their potential as they progress to further education or into work."

Winners of the challenge will be decided by both the result in the final event and their conduct and commitment in training; punctuality, training attendance and teamwork will all count.

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