Two schools received a visit from an Olympic Gold medallist this month after their pupils rowed their way to the top in the 2008-09 Concept2 Schools League Bonus Round at the end of last term, beating off competition from teams across the UK.

Olympic canoeist, Tim Brabants visited pupils from Kenton School in Newcastle who won the Secondary School prize with a fantastic 255 teams entered (that's the majority of the school!), and Priory Junior School in St Neots with 73 teams entered.

Excited pupils at both schools got the chance to up close and personal with an Olympic Gold medal as well as talking to Tim about his achievements both on the water and in achieving his lifelong ambition to become a doctor.

Tim commented: 'I'm delighted to be involved with the Concept2 Indoor Rowing Schools League. It's important that young people are encouraged to participate in sport, both from a confidence point of view and a health perspective. Indoor rowing is a great way to get everyone involved, as each person taking part can do so at their own pace, in a safe environment. From past experience, it's definitely something that every young person gets excited about and wants to be involved in.'

Deputy Head Teacher at Priory Junior School, Kevin Sadler commented: *'The enthusiasm generated has been incredible, with children practising their technique and change-over skills during the lunchtime breaks on machines kindly loaned to the school each month by both St Neots Rowing Club and Longsands College. Many children, including those who haven't taken to any kind of sport previously, have discovered a love for rowing - it has had a huge impact on raising the self-esteem for many of them. The children were all excited about Tim's visit and very eager to get the opportunity to see an Olympic Gold medal.'

Grahame Wood, PE teacher at the school is thrilled with the win. He commented: *'Indoor Rowing at Kenton School has been infectious, with almost all of our pupils getting involved. It's a great way to increase their confidence and get them involved in sport where some of them may not have shown an interest in the past. The team spirit amongst the pupils has been incredible and taking part in the league has definitely helped to bring them closer together.
Winning the Concept2 bonus round was the icing on the cake for us. Everyone was really excited for Tim's visit - getting to meet an Olympic champion and see a Gold Medal isn't something that you get to do every day. Tim showed a real interest in all the staff and pupils and I'd like to thank Concept2 for organising such a fantastic day.'

The Concept2 bonus round coincides each year with National School Sports Week and takes the form of a relay challenge race where teams of four rowers complete 503m each, covering the distance as quickly as possible to reach a total of 2012m.

It forms part of Concept2's Indoor Rowing Schools League which is designed to encourage participation in exercise from a young age and aims to encourage pupils and staff to build healthier lifestyles for the future and to show youngsters that exercise is fun.

As an Olympic Gold medallist, Tim is a real inspiration to the youngsters and his visit will motivate pupils at both schools to maintain their activity levels.

The 2009/10 Concept2 Schools League has kicked off already. You can enter the league at any point by logging on to http://www.therowingcompany.com/league - don't miss out, get rowing!