Among the teams battling it out to win the annual Daisy Chain Boat Race this year will be an eight-strong group from Billingham Synthonia FC first team managed by Boro legend Jamie Pollock, whose recent signing is Love Island and Geordie Shore reality TV star Sam Gowland.
Jamie and the club have chosen Daisy Chain as their charity partner and put the Daisy Chain Boat Race at the centre of their training plans to help the team bond as well as increase their fitness and raise funds for the autism support charity.
It means competition will be fierce on the River Tees on Saturday July 6 when the teams will be raring to row their way to success.
Daisy Chain will also be welcoming a team from People’s Postcode Lottery to celebrate ten years of receiving funding. The support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has been integral to the development and growth of Daisy Chain over the last decade. It means the charity is now able to support over 2,300 families affected by autism across the Tees Valley.
Other teams taking part include Newcastle Building Society, Mercedes Benz Of Teesside, Darlington Building Society, Barclaycard, Clicksco, Mandale Group, community groups and Daisy Chain’s siblings group and adult group who are all ready to take up oars for a place on the podium.
Racing starts at 10am at Tees Barrage International White Water Centre with teams of eight taking their places in the bell boats for the fun race which raises funds for Daisy Chain every year to support families affected by autism.
Team supporters and those set to view the spectacle are advised to arrive early to get a good spot to see all the action.
Paul Dolan, Synners Club Secretary, said, “As a club we want to be involved with the community and build partnerships. Daisy Chain seemed an ideal fit for us as we are currently neighbours being based just down the road at Norton Sports Charity. We thought the Boat Race was an ideal event to kick-start the partnership, getting the team to work together as well as raising funds for such a worthwhile cause.”
Tracey Wright Daisy Chain events manager said: “This is a great family occasion in a fantastic setting down by the River Tees. It’s wonderful to see companies and teams come together and work in harmony to see if they can out-row the rival teams. There’s a fantastic atmosphere as the competition hots up while raising funds for families affected by autism. Daisy Chain now supports over 2,300 families on a regular basis and the generosity of those who take part in our events is greatly valued.”
There will also be a cake stall, refreshments, merchandise and a chance to enter our Summer Prize Draw.
In addition to the prestigious trophy, the winning team will also receive a voucher for a white-water rafting experience at the Tees Barrage.
If anyone has not yet booked their team on the Boat Race, there are still some places available – visit the website to book online https://www.daisychainproject.co.uk/Event/boat-race-2019