Ready! Set! Row! Romford! Calling All Primary Schools!
Ready! Set! Row! Romford! Calling All Primary Schools!
Cool Rowings Launches World’s First Indoor Regatta Without Rowing Machines
September 28th until October 3rd 2026
A brand-new sporting event inspired by the determination and creativity of the legendary Jamaican bobsleigh team is set to make history in Romford this September!
Founded by the UK’s first Gladiator Champion, Weininger Irwin, Cool Rowings is launching the World’s First Sport Relief Indoor Regatta at Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford from 28 September to 3 October 2026 in conjunction with Comic Relief.
What makes this event unique? Unlike traditional indoor rowing competitions, there are no rowing machines involved.
Inspired by the famous film Cool Runnings, which tells the story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team’s remarkable journey to the Winter Olympics, Cool Rowings embraces the same spirit of innovation and determination.
>Just as the team trained using a simple handcart when they couldn’t access a real bobsleigh, Cool Rowings has developed an exciting and accessible alternative to conventional indoor rowing.
The event has been designed to remove barriers to participation, making it possible for children and young people of all abilities to experience the excitement of competition, teamwork and achievement.
Over six days of racing and fundraising, primary schools, youth groups and community organisations will compete in a regatta-style format featuring professional electronic race timing, individual and team challenges, and a lively community atmosphere.
As well as promoting physical activity, the event will support Sport Relief and Comic Relief fundraising initiatives. Participants will have the opportunity to raise money for important causes while developing valuable life skills including leadership, communication, resilience and teamwork.
The organisers hope the event will leave a lasting legacy by introducing children to new sporting experiences. It encourages healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for young people to build confidence and become active members of their communities.
The regatta is open to a wide range of organisations, including primary and junior schools, academy trusts, Scout and Girlguiding groups, youth clubs, community organisations and SEND schools.
Weininger Irwin said: “The Jamaican bobsleigh team showed the world that determination and creativity can overcome any obstacle. Cool Rowings carries that same spirit. We are creating a world-first event that allows every child to experience the excitement of competition while raising money for incredible causes through Sport Relief and Comic Relief.”
The event will take place at Mercury Shopping Centre, Romford, and organisers are encouraging schools and youth organisations to register early and become part of sporting history.
Cool Rowings is built on a simple belief: sport should be accessible to everyone.
>By removing the need for expensive equipment, the initiative creates opportunities for more children and young people to get involved, have fun and discover what they can achieve.
As the organisers say: “No Rowing Machines. No Barriers.
Just Imagination, Participation and Fundraising.”
How Schools, Scouts & Youth Groups Can Get Involved:
Young people have the opportunity to compete, fundraise & be part of a world first indoor rowing competition.
Who Can Enter:
Children from any of the following – Nurseries, Primary Schools, Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Girl Guiding Groups, Youth Clubs, Local Community Clubs
How To Take Part:
- Registers Yourself as an individual or a Team (on behalf of a school for example).
- Attend A Cool Rowings Demonstration in Romford where you will learn: Rowing Techniques, Team Relay Formats, Competitoin Rules & Fundraising Ideas.
- Start Training in weekly Cool Rowings sessions, relay practices and fun challenges leading up to the event
- Fundraise for Sport Relief. Each individual entry is encourgaged to raise sponsorship from family, friends & local businesses.
- Compete in the Regatta – during the 6 day event.Which will include Relay Races, Team Challenges, Distance Challenges, School Vs School Challenges etc.
Sport Relief Fundraising Guidelines:
Fundraising should be fun, inclusive, safe, and transparent. Comic Relief provides fundraising packs, sponsorship ideas, posters, certificates, and resources for schools and community groups.
Fundraising Activities Indoor Regatta Participants seek sponsorship for:
- Participation in a Worlds first indoor regatta
• Number of relay races completed
• Team challenge achievements.
Good Fundraising Practice Participants should:
✔ Clearly explain what they are fundraising for
✔ Keep accurate records of money collected
✔ Obtain parental permission where appropriate
✔ Ensuring fundraising activities are supervised by adults
✔ Deposit and transfer funds promptly
✔ Thank sponsors and supporters after the event
✔ Follow school, Scout Association, and Girlguiding safeguarding procedures
What Young People Gain Through fundraising and participation, young people develop:
• Leadership skills
• Confidence
• Teamwork
• Communication skills
• Community awareness
• Financial responsibility
• Resilience and determination
For more information or to register your school or group, visit www.coolrowings.com
or email info@coolrowings.com
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