STOCKTON Borough’s newest rowing facility was officially opened by the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees during an action-packed day of rowing.
Councillor Ken Dixon was on hand at the Tees Regatta to cut the ribbon and declare the extension to the River Tees Watersports Centre formally open.
Funded by Sport England and Veolia Environmental with support from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the new extension at the centre now offers a much improved gym area on the ground floor of the fully-accessible building plus essential storage space within the boathouse. The extension also creates a large rooftop patio area which can be accessed from River Tees Watersports Centre’s existing balcony.
Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “The centre is a great facility and the new extension will only further help to accommodate all the new and exciting sports which are available here. Seeing so many people taking part in and watching the Regatta on Saturday was fantastic and these new and improved facilities will mean that more people can make the most of our beautiful river and get involved in rowing whatever their level of ability.”
Kate O’Sullivan, Club President, Tees Rowing Club, said: “Tees Rowing Club were delighted the Mayor and the Lady Mayoress were able to join us at Tees Regatta. This year the event attracted 389 entries from across the country. There were rowers ranging in ages from 11 to 78 years with people of all abilities taking part including recent GB Olympic Trialists Beth Bryan and Jo Wratten.
“Thanks to the Mayor for formally opening the new extension, a project made possible thanks to support from Sport England and Veolia Environmental, which will enable us to continue our work in making access to all watersports available at the centre, an important facility for our community.”
For more information on the River Tees Watersports Centre please visit www.rtwc.co.uk