When Here For Sport was founded by Sam Winton in 2019, it was motivated by his journey to finding his own sporting passion – which only happened because of rowing. It makes sense that our very first outreach project was based in Sam’s home city of Coventry, sharing his passion with others. 

Coventry has high levels of inequality, and specifically health inequality, way above the national average. It is a developing city, with the distinct problem of youth crime and many other challenges. However it is also rapidly changing. After winning “European City of Sport” and well as “City of Culture” this change was rapidly accelerated. Now Here For Sport is a part of the process, joining forces as a part of the Commonwealth Games 2022, to use rowing as a tool for development. 

Working closely with many of the local secondary schools, we have designed a “Learn to Row” program which teaches disengaged young people key life skills. We are targeting under-represented and marginalised groups to diversify the sport and challenge many of the stereotypes which surround rowing. 

Inspired by projects like Fulham Reach Boat Club, The Firhill Project, and many more, we are hoping to raise a total of £20,000 so we can get all 19 secondary schools in Coventry involved in the program.