Cardiff Schools Indoor Rowing Derby

Friday the 19th of March 2010 was the date of a brand new sporting event. The Cardiff Schools Indoor Rowing Derby.  This new sporting competition is open to all Cardiff secondary schools to compete on indoor rowing machines.

Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr, Radyr Comprehensive School, Rumney High School and Whitchurch High School all took part. The Derby itself was held at Whitchurch High School.

The race categories were split between 11 – 16 year olds. Yr 7s racing a time of 2 minutes which the longest distance wins to Yr 11’s racing a distance of 2000m in the quickest time. In the afternoon the schools got themselves into teams of four to compete in the relay events. Each team has to do 2000m between the four members, each member taking turns on the rowing machine.

Each medal position won by the competitors, earns points towards their schools overall tally. In 3rd place was Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, 2nd place went to Radyr Comprehensive School, 1st place and overall winners of the first Cardiff Schools Indoor Rowing was awarded to Whitchurch High School.

The Cardiff Schools Indoor Rowing Derby was founded by Mr Michael Williams, a teacher and rowing coach at Whitchurch High School who used to be a member of the Welsh Rowing Squad. Mr Williams said, “It was a really successful day and I am immensely proud of every pupil who took part. To have an idea and to see it into fruition is a wonderful sensation and it makes it all the worthwhile when you see the enjoyment on the children’s faces. I am already looking forward to next year”.