Always on
This project successfully funded on 9th January 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
COBRA: Rowing into the Community
Coleraine, Causeway Coast and Glens, United Kingdom
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First target reached!
As our fundraising project runs for 6 weeks, we are adding another Stretch Target. H...
Aim
Our aim is to purchase boats and equipment that will enable our community members to continue participating in rowing.
Who are we?
We a
re a registered charity set up and organised by volunteers who are all alumni of Coleraine Grammar School Rowing Club, with the aim of supporting rowing in Coleraine within the school and beyond. We have over 200 people involved at our club, spread between juniors (12-18), adults and alumni.
Why are we crowdfunding?
The rowing club has a very successful past record at junior level. Whilst we have a few Olympians many do not continue with the sport - we want to encourage past pupils to continue getting the health benefits of the sport of rowing. We also want to share the skill and experience of our coaches to recruit those from the community to take up the sport and achieve the same health and wellbeing benefits. The support from SportNI Olympic Legacy Fund will help to bolster our crowdfunding efforts to make this all possible.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Encouraging more adults into the sport requires new equipment (boats) more suited to adults to add to our juniors' boats. We intend to purchase three new boats - a Touring Boat (a stable safe boat for beginners to learn in), a Training Boat (a step up but still suitable for beginners) and a Racing Boat to ensure we can push everyone to achieve their goals. We will also purchase a set of riggers to convert an existing boat into an Octuple Scull - suitable for training eight people at a time. Finally we will purchase ten ergometers (indoor rowing machines) so that activities can continue irrespective of the weather. All equipment is stored within the safety of Coleraine Grammar School Rowing Club.
- WinTech Touring Boat - £13860
- Kanghua Training Boat - £8756
- Kanghua Racing Boat - £11259.60
- Octuple Scull riggers - £2666.88
- 10x Ergometers - £10507.67 (€12000)
Community impact
The rowing club has an enviable reputation in providing rowing coaching and participation, along with an underused riverside facility in the town. We want to expand our catchment to include alumni, parents and anyone in the community who is interested in the sport. Rowing encourages exceptional health benefits being both a strength and fitness sport. Added to that are the social benefits of being part of a team and experiencing the outdoor amenity of the river which is central to the town's existence.
''COBRA members dedicate their time to coaching, fundraising, and providing ongoing support to develop future champions, resilient young people and inspire adults to use rowing as a foundation for their own success. COBRA believes that investing in the community of Coleraine is a long-term commitment to creating a lasting legacy.''
Alan Campbell – London 2012 Olympic Bronze Medallist
Adult Rower Testimonials:
"The physical, mental and social benefits of rowing are like a weekly dose of dopamine. Better than any medication and no side effects."
"Rowing is simply my favourite activity of the week. It has been such a benefit for both my mental and physical health notwithstanding the amazing social benefit too. The coaches are outstanding and make everyone so welcome."
"I've watched a family member find a place she feels she can fit in and succeed, with a big smile on her face."
"I'm probably the most nervous rower in the group but once I get into the boat, the nerves go - well not totally. I thoroughly enjoy it and can't quite believe that I'm able to row up and down the river."
"Since our boys started rowing they have found increased levels of purpose, discipline and friendship within the community at the boathouse. It's been amazing watching their confidence grow through the sport. It has also brought our family closer together through early mornings, regattas etc."
How you can play your part
There are three simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £30,582 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made