The historic Durham Regatta takes place in June and will partner with disabled charity Row2Recovery for the 2015 event.
An historic regatta with its roots in one of Britain’s greatest Naval victories will raise funds for a charity working with disabled former servicemen.
Durham Regatta has announced disabled charity Row2Recovery as its first charity partner of the year.
The charity works with wounded and injured military personnel to offer adaptive rowing as part of rehabilitation.
Durham Regatta takes place in June and will see hundreds of rowers descend on the city.
Nigel van Zwanenberg, chairman of Durham Regatta, said: “Well, in the year of the two hundredth anniversary of Waterloo, it was a no-brainer really.
“Durham regatta has been closely associated with the Battle of Waterloo throughout its history.
“The first regatta grew out of a parade of boats on the River Wear that celebrated the victory of Wellington’s army over Napoleon and the regatta’s promise of free ale to local veterans of the battle, extended this year to include any surviving relatives of the Durham Waterloo-men, is well known.
“So Row2 recovery, a charity that combines the armed forces with rowing, was the obvious choice.”
Along with free ale for the descendants of Waterloo veterans organisers will include another historic nod with a series of races based on those at the first regatta in 1834.
Paddy Nicoll, of Row2Recovery, said: “As I’m sure you’re aware, we do a lot with the wounded, injured, and sick military around Durham.
“Row2Recovery are honoured to be the chosen charity for the Durham Regatta, such a prodigious national event.
“We will be showcasing how we support our Injured Military through our two programmes - National Military Adaptive Rowing, and Ocean Military Adaptive Rowing. Our flagship Row2Recovery partner, Gateshead Community Rowing Club, are hosting a stand and will be entering military adaptive teams; and our Atlantic amputee crew will be rowing our Atlantic boat, funded by HRH Prince Harry’s Endeavour Fund, along the course.
“We want to show the thousands of spectators and competitors that our injured military are still beyond injury, achieving the extraordinary.”
Source: Chronice Live
