News

Newcastle University throws down the challenge

(30 April 2003)

Rowers from Newcastle University will today challenge their Durham University rivals - and current holders of the trophy - to compete in the 7th Annual Northumbrian Water University Boat Race.

Rowers promise 'W-ergo-ing to make it a race to remember!'

Eight rowers - four each from Durham and Newcastle University Boat Clubs - are to mark the traditional Northumbrian Water University Boat Race challenge by going head-to-head in an Ergo sprint relay in Baltic Square.

Newcastle University Boat Club President, Gareth Hicks, will issue the challenge Durham's President, Emma Crozier, to compete in this year's race on the River Tyne on Sunday 18 May. The official challenge involves the offer and acceptance of the ceremonial oar.

Then, the rowers - four from each University representing the men's and women's squads - will be rowing flat-out on Ergos (land-based rowing machines) for 500 metres each, relay-style - all of them committed to winning in the expectation that the result might be an indicator of the outcome of the Boat Race itself.

Northumbrian Water Communications Manager, Alistair Baker, will be presiding over the challenge, and acting as official referee and timing marshal for the Ergo relay.

He said: 'Northumbrian Water is more than a water and waste-water treatment company, it is immersed in community life. Water plays a major part in a healthy life for everyone, and the cleaned up River Tyne is an important ingredient in the Boat Race.

'Seeing the determination of these rowers representing their Universities here today, the scene is set for another smashing day of racing on the Tyne', he added.

Chairman of the Boat Race Executive Committee, Graham Rayner, added: 'The Northumbrian Water Boat Race can rightly claim it's place now as one of the region's major sporting events. Both squads have been in great form so far this year, and it promises to be a really close competition.'

The challenge has added significance this year, as it takes place during the final visit of the European Capital of Culture judging panel. Major sponsor Northumbrian Water, Gateshead Council and Newcastle University are all backing Newcastle Gateshead's bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2008.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, spearheading the region's bid for European Capital of Culture 2008, said: 'Nowhere else is sport so firmly at the heart of culture. Creating the only university boat race outside Oxford Cambridge and growing it successfully for seven years is another great example of how the region can innovate, develop and deliver exciting events that attract thousands of people and substantial media coverage.'

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For further information contact Melanie Reed in the University Press Office on 0191 222 5791; e-mail press.office@ncl.ac.uk