London Otters – one of the world’s largest LGBT+ rowing clubs, held second Annual Rainbow Races Regatta on Saturday, November 24.
THE regatta was held at the Royal Albert Docks in London in support of the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign to stand up against homophobia in Sport.
This is the second year the London Otters, the only LGBT+ rowing club in the UK, has organised the races. Competitors wore different coloured t-shirts, so each boat of 8 rowers represented a full rainbow.
This time, four other British Rowing affiliated clubs – Lea Rowing Club, Broxbourne Rowing Club, Furnivall Sculling Club and Cygnet Rowing Club – took part alongside the London Otters.
Craig Batton, chairman of the London Otters Rowing Club said: “It was fantastic to have the support of other rowing clubs, racing the rainbow colours, showing their support not only of us as an LGBT+ club but also making a stand against homophobia in sport.
“This event is going from strength to strength and there are already plans to make next year’s event even bigger and to invite even more clubs to take part.”
The races were 1000 meters, and competitors took part in three heats and a final with the London Otters emerging triumphant; wining the final in 3 min 43 seconds – the same boat also had the fastest overall race time of the competition, winning their heat in 3 minutes and 29 seconds.
The London Otters, were established in 2014 by Warwick Lobban and Grant Ralph to help break down some of the barriers that prevent LGBT+ peopele getting involved in sport.
For more information about London Otters, click here: