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PARALYMPIC rowing champion Helene Raynsford was the guest of
Hundreds of people attended the event in the grounds of Phyllis Court Club, off Marlow Road, on Saturday, when it was warm and sunny.
Dozens of disabled and able-bodied rowers took part in bell boat races between Henley Bridge and the paddock of the private members’ club.
The boats, which resemble two canoes bound together, replaced dragon boats for this year’s event and were supplied by Rivertime Accessible Boating at Bisham Abbey.
The winners were presented with prizes by Henley Mayor Kellie Hinton, who also handed out certificates for a land-based ergometer competition.
Raynsford, who won gold in the single sculls at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and is a patron at the regatta, was given a microphone to recount stories from her career before commentating on some of the action.
Raynsford, who uses a wheelchair and attended the event despite having had spinal surgery only a few weeks ago, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people here and all sorts of different activities going on.
“I treasure my gold medal but for
“The regatta committee is brilliant and works tirelessly to put on a fantastic event, which is on such a huge scale now.”
Also present were Henley MP John Howell and Phyllis Court Club chairwoman Patricia Christmas, who are also patrons, while regatta co-founder Lucy Walton celebrated her 50th birthday with her family by wearing party hats.
“The whole thing is
Regatta chairman Mike Pooley said: “Henley should be proud of this event, which gives so much pleasure to disabled people and their families.
“People have enjoyed themselves and are already looking forward to next year.”
He thanked the patrons, his committee, including Hugh Legh, who provided the sound, the sponsors, volunteers, the Rivertime Boat Trust, Hobbs of Henley for the use of the motor boats, Phyllis Court Club for hosting the event, the Shanly Foundation and other local
The regatta sponsors included Henley Royal Regatta, the Shanly Foundation, the Rotary Club of Henley Bridge, Henley Lions Club, Henley Round Table, Phyllis Court Club, Invesco Perpetual, Bright Spark and Enabled for Life.
See the gallery here
06 September 2017
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