Staff and students ready to take on the stern ‘Row Britannia’ challenge

Borders College have recently signed up to the national rowing challenge ‘Row Britannia’ to help raise money for Sport Relief and raise awareness of mental health.

The challenge involves a collective team of staff and students, aptly named the BCSA Tartan Monkeys, rowing a total 2020 miles between 12th November 2019 and 13th March 2020, with the aim of raising £3000 for charity.

A recent visit and inspiring talk from Rowing legend Leven Brown gave Borders College Students’ Association the push to get involved in the national initiative, and Leven himself kindly donated one of his rowing machines to the College, which will be situated in the Student Union throughout the three month period.

As well as this, Borders College neighbours TriFitness have kindly agreed to allow students and staff the use of their rowing machines and facilities free of charge, and a number of students have already taken up the challenge with them.

Row Britannia is an inclusive (adaptive sport) mental health, fitness and wellbeing challenge by The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), for teams throughout the UK to raise vital funds and positive awareness.

Through an extraordinary collaboration of partner organisations, Row Britannia will provide a UK-wide platform, campaign and event that will bring together universities, colleges, education and sports governing bodies, British Sporting Icons and communities.

Students’ Association President Ann Letham, who has organised the challenge, commented:

“We thought it would be a great idea to get involved in the challenge after a recent visit from record breaking rower Leven Brown, who gave an inspiring talk about his rowing adventures. We want to encourage as many staff and students as possible to take up the challenge and get rowing for this worthwhile cause.”

If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, please go to our Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bcsa