Double Olympic Gold Medallist Pete Reed Inspires the Next Generation

The National Lottery took Team GB rower Pete Reed to meet youngsters keen to follow in his footsteps at a Lottery-funded sports venue in the capital.

Reed, from Nailsworth, a gold medallist in the coxless four event at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012, joined young members of the AHOY Centre where he gave a masterclass in rowing and helped the youngsters to develop their skills and confidence on the water.

The AHOY Centre in Greenwich provides water activities and educational programmes for a wide range of people, focusing on disadvantaged and disabled youths.

Reed said, “The National Lottery has been changing lives for 18 years, and the AHOY Centre is a perfect example of that – it’s been great to visit the centre and I’d be delighted if I inspired some of the youngsters today. This centre is fantastic, it gives youngsters the opportunity to experience how enjoyable life is on the water and puts smiles on their faces.

“National Lottery funding has allowed me to train full time at superb facilities and receive world class coaching and medical support. The National Lottery is continuing to invest in elite sport ahead of Rio 2016 but what’s also important is that National Lottery players are also funding great community projects like this one.”

Reed is one of 1,200 National Lottery funded elite athletes. The funding allows him to compete and train full time to the highest of international standards. The National Lottery invested up to £2.2 billion in London 2012, allowing our athletes, venues and volunteers to shine on the world stage.

The AHOY Centre in Greenwich has received over £103,000 of National Lottery funding awarded though Sport England, creating opportunities for more people to get involved and enjoy sport in world class facilities. Most recently the centre received £50,000 for a new building to host the sport of ‘dry’ rowing.

Sport England Chair, Richard Lewis, said: “We are committed to developing more opportunities for local communities to take part in sport and create a lasting legacy from this summer’s Games. The AHOY Centre is a great example of a facility which provides activities and education to local communities, enabling people to access some of the best facilities in the world, whether it is for recreation or if they are hoping to become a star themselves one day.”

Clive Ongley, Chairman of the AHOY Centre, said: “We have loved having Pete Reed join us today, having such a successful Olympian visit will certainly inspire the youngsters that come to the centre. The National Lottery has invested a great amount in to this facility which has allowed more people to come along and participate in the sessions that we offer, which help with confidence and core skills in rowing and other water sports in addition to helping with educational programmes.”