In May 2012, Andrew Morris and Mick Dawson will set out to row across the North Atlantic Ocean, through the English Chanel and up the river Thames to arrive in London in time for the start of the Olympic games. One of the broader aims of the Olympic Atlantic Row is to reach out to young people and highlight that with the right mindset and preparation, anything is achievable; whether that be staying out of trouble, doing well at school, finding a job, rowing a marathon or even rowing to the Olympics.

Olympic Gold Challenge events are being set up throughout the country as part of the Olympic Legacy commitment to increase participation in sport. Working in partnership with the Gold Challenge initiative, on October 15th 2011, the Olympic Atlantic Row team hosted the Olympic Gold Challenge Row in Newark Market Square, Nottinghamshire.

14 teams of all ages took part in this event. Junior teams raced the half marathon and senior teams the marathon distance. The majority of participants had never been on an indoor rowing machine before taking up this challenge. Experienced rowers were on hand to help our teams on the day, including ocean rower Andrew Morris, former GB lightweight world champion, Chris Bates and former GB junior Naomi Coe.

There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout this challenge and our teams were supported by friends, family and passers by. We are pleased to announce that several new British records were set. Having enjoyed taking part in this challenge, many participants are now going on to join rowing clubs.

Many thanks to Concept2 for providing us with the indoor rowing machines used for the Newark Gold Challenge Row.