The National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC) will return to Leeds and London in 2024, organisers London Youth Rowing (LYR), have confirmed.
Following the hugely successful introduction of NJIRC in Leeds last year, accompanying the original NJIRC event in London, LYR will again host the event across both locations to provide an event that is truly inclusive and accessible.
NJIRC has taken place in London since 2007, with 2,000 young people taking part at London’s Copper Box Arena on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park last year, and 800 taking in Leeds at the John Charles Centre for Sport.
2024’s edition of NJIRC kicks off in Leeds on 23 February, with around 1,000 young people expected to turn out, before London hosts 2,000 competitors on 1 March.
Medals will be awarded at each venue before an overall winner is announced for each category once both events have been completed.
Racing will take place for all age groups from Year 7 to Year 13, with individual and relay events, including for young people with special educational needs or a disability. 2023’s event saw over 150 young people with special educational needs or a disability (SEND) enter.
As in previous years, NJIRC 2024 will continue to receive valuable support from British Rowing and Henley Royal Regatta Charitable Trust, together with Concept 2, bringing together three of the biggest names in rowing to develop the most inclusive and accessible indoor rowing event.
Schools, clubs and groups are now encouraged to sign up for NJIRC 2024, with entries now open until 2 February 2024. Entries start from £5 per individual entry, and £10 for a relay team of four.
Race The Thames Live, the corporate 72km rowing challenge, will again be running alongside the event in London, as per previous years.
Matt Rostron, LYR CEO, said: “Since 2007, NJIRC has provided young people the opportunity to take part in an inclusive and accessible event where everybody is welcome, regardless of skill, experience or background.
Running NJIRC across both London and Leeds proved to be a massive success, enabling everyone from across the country the chance to take part, reflecting the core ethos of the event.
“We are forever grateful for the support from our key partners including Henley Royal Regatta Charity Trust (HRRCT) and British Rowing who have supported with the running of the events over the years, as part of the commitment from both organisations to make rowing as inclusive and accessible as possible.”
LYR operates its primary programme, Active Row across the country. Originating in London, LYR’s flagship school rowing programme is now delivered across the country throughout Yorkshire, Kent, Nottingham and London.
Active Row combines both indoor and on-water rowing, with a firm focus on improving equality, inclusivity and diversity.
A study which assessed a four-year period of Active Row London found that the programme provides a significant boost to the mental and physical health of participants, whilst generating more than £17million of social benefits annually.
For more information, and to enter, please visit www.njirc.co.uk