Sportivate Success for Minerva Bath Rowing Club
Minerva Bath Rowing Club ran a six week long ‘Sportivate Learn to Row’ course for juniors, aged 14-18 during September and October 2011. With eight participants (3 girls and 5 boys) the course was fully booked.
The course started with a land session introducing the juniors to the boats, rowing language and rowing technique. In the second session it was time to go onto the water for the first time! Two crews were formed and the technique learned on land was put into practice. The crews stayed the same for the subsequent water sessions in which the focus was on improving rowing skills.
In the last two weeks the participants were also invited to join the experienced juniors at the club for the weekly ergo (rowing machine) sessions. This helped integrate the juniors into the existing squad and to give them something to aim for.
A highlight, at least for the boys, was the capsizing drill at a local swimming pool, where participants learned what to do in case the boat capsizes!
The Sportivate sessions were run by the club’s Junior Co-ordinator with support from competent volunteer coxes and coaches.
The course finished with a race over 500m, action from this can be seen in the news article photo above.
This Sportivate project has been a resounding success, with 100% of the participants choosing to join the rowing club. These youngsters are now regularly attending mid-weekly ergo sessions and rowing sessions on Sundays. The next aim is for them to take part in a local race in February.
If you would like more information about Sportivate and how you can get involved either taking part or delivering a Sportivate project please visit www.wesport.org.uk/sportivate. You can also contact Sarah Mcleod (Wesport's Sport Project Officer) Email: sarah.mcleod@uwe.ac.uk or Tel: 0117 328 6250.
