Sarah Winckless, rowing Bronze Medallist in the 2004 Athens Olympics and two times World Champion dropped into the AYCC in Tower Hamlets on 6 Feb to inspire young people in the borough to get fit and take up rowing. Over thirty children and Centre staff took part in team and individual rowing competitions with every child receiving a medal from Sarah. As well as being taught rowing and fitness techniques by a former world champion the young people were able to take part in a question and answer session and learn at first hand what it takes to become a sporting champion.

This visit was the first of four Sarah will be making to the AYCC to promote free sports opportunities provided by the Thames Gateway Youth Football Project at the Attlee Centre as part of Sport England’s Sport Unlimited Programme. The programme aims to get more semi-sporty young people aged 11 to 19 years taking part in regular sporting activities. Sarah Winckless said: “It was a privilege to be invited to the Attlee Youth Centre and get involved in this project. The excitement and enthusiasm was infectious. These young people can achieve anything they set their minds to.