‘Mo’mentous Recognition For Barnes Bridge Ladies Rowing Club
Accompanied by a host of Olympic faces past & present
Double Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah yesterday awarded members of Barnes Bridge Ladies rowing club for their contribution to sport as part of ‘Join In’, a nationwide initiative to celebrate local sport.
The visit by the double Olympic gold medal winner was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Barnes Bridge Ladies and local budding athletes, along with hundreds of sports clubs around the country, capturing the enthusiasm for sport that this summer's events are generating.
Running legend Mo Farah was joined by London 2012 silver medallist David Florence along with former GB Olympic champions Daley Thompson, Jonathan Edwards, Sharon Davies and BBC’s John Inverdale who highlighted the valuable work of the volunteers, coaches and mentors who help train potential sporting champions.
The athletes, along with Mo’s daughter Rhianna, were introduced to the joys of rowing on the Thames, with each of them showing real promise for the future.
Barnes Bridge Ladies Rowing club (formally the Civil Service Rowing Club) was at the forefront of Olympic Women's rowing. In 1976 two former Barnes Bridge ladies, Clare Groves and Pauline Wright, rowed in the coxed Fours in Montreal, the first Games in which Women were allowed to compete.
Local Chiswick pier resident and full time-paramedic Dave Gledhill was awarded Heroic Volunteer, for his exceptional commitment to volunteering over the past 12 years, Suzannah Cooper, Inspiration award, for overcoming an injury and Jasmin Meier for most promising young sports person.
Sarah Powell, Captain of Barnes Bridge Ladies said:
“We were honoured to host Mo Farah, David Florence and the former Olympic champions. It was an inspirational experience and a true reminder that whether you want to join in, make friends or kickstart a new fitness goal, local sports clubs are truly where it starts for every great athlete."
August 24, 2012