The Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre (CBWAC), based at Channel View Centre, is gearing up to co-host the Great Britain under-23 national rowing development camp alongside the Sport Wales National Centre at Sophia Gardens.
Previously held in Nantes, France, the GB rowing development training camp is moving to the Welsh Capital following a successful visit from Peter Sheppard, the Chief Coach for the GB juniors and under 23s, and his team who were impressed and extremely pleased with the facilities and range of venues Cardiff has to offer.
The land-based activities will take place at Sophia Gardens with 39 rowers and their coaches training at the Sport Wales National Centre in the centre of Cardiff from Monday January 3 to Thursday January 13.
The water-based rowing activity will be at CBWAC, which has been chosen for its central location, low level pontoons and dedicated slip way access to the Rivers Taff and Ely and the 200 hectare freshwaters of Cardiff Bay.
CWBAC recently hosted the 4th Welsh Schools Indoor Rowing Championships when over 1,100 young rowers took part. It is events such as these that have put the centre on the map – a centre that has already received funding from the Redgrave Trust and praise from Sir Steve Redgrave himself.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Both rowing and indoor rowing have become successful activities at CBWAC and the centre has become well-known for its excellent provision. It is great to see the facilities at Sophia Gardens and CBWAC being combined to offer such a unique package.
“Ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, it is training camps such as these that Wales and the UK must invest in to attain sporting excellence. I wish them every success for their week in Wales, and hope to welcome them again in the future.”
Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the U23 rowing squad to Cardiff and wish them all the best for their stay.
“We at Sport Wales are passionate about getting our partners to work together to deliver the best for Welsh sport and this is a great example of how it’s working and working well. The Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre and the Sport Wales National Centre are both fantastic sporting facilities and it’s encouraging to see them both being utilised by such talented sportsmen and women.”
