Despite once uttering the immortal words "if you see me near a boat again you have my permission to shoot me," sporting hero and tabloid star Gareth Walker is getting back on the water to lead his team of media heroes to glory in this April's Carnegie Rowing Challenge - a small matter of 42,195 metres!
Backed up by a crack team of sporting iron men, Gareth has set his charges the challenge of breaking the world record, something Dave 'Cracknell' Craven, also known as a Tesco Value John Ledger, has said he could do in his sleep.
Further muscle will be provided by League Weekly's hard-hitting Paul Bennett, freelance luvlee turned Daily Mail schmoozer Neil Barraclough will provide leadership and Press Association Sport's Wayne Gardiner will offer plenty of cynicism.
These five lotharios are looking for kind benfactors to sponsor their quest to smash this world record, as well as beat any of the other sides taking part that dare come before them.
Rumours that team GB are planning to release a naked charity calendar have so far proved to be untrue, but Walker, a ladies favourite, is said to be considering the offer if the target of £500 is met.
A sensible description of the event is provided below and of course, any donation is gratefully received.
See you at London 2012,
Team GB
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Carnegie Rowing Challenge
Stars of rugby league are preparing for a marathon challenge as they bid to raise money for Try Assist, the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.
Fans of rugby league are also being urged to take part in the event, with the opportunity to compete directly against their sporting heroes in a test of strength and endurance in a bid to raise cash to help amateur and professional players who have suffered life-changing injuries.
Former Great Britain internationals Paul Sculthorpe and Kris Radlinski, the ’s Dave Woods, along with a Sky Sports All Star team led by Terry O’Connor are amongst competitors already signed up to the challenge. They’ll be joined by a team of rugby league writers, a Steve Prescott managed set of competitors as well as a team managed by Wakefield Wildcats coach John Kear.
The Carnegie Rowing Challenge will take place at Leeds Met’s Carnegie Research Institute at Headingley Campus in on Thursday 15 April from until and will be filmed by the . Concept 2 have provided forty indoor rowing machines for the duration of the challenge and competitors will be taking part in a range of trials up to and including the full 26.2 mile marathon. Competitors are able to enter the challenge individually or can form teams of up to five members and will aim to complete the marathon in under four hours.
The ’s Dave Woods explains: “We want as many people as possible to sign up, either as individuals or in teams of up to five people to row a marathon in under four hours. Amateur clubs, gym clubs, sets of fans, players – everyone who can get on a rower should have a go to raise money for Try Assists. We've seen the fantastic efforts of some of the game’s high profile ex-players in raising money for Try Assist. Now everyone in the rugby league family can join in alongside them.”
“Many of the people who benefit from Try Assist show an amazing spirit and approach to life, despite suffering life-changing injuries. The money that’s raised helps them overcome their many difficulties and achieve as much as possible out of life.”
legend Paul Sculthorpe will be taking part in the challenge and is expecting the training to be a tough prospect: “The Carnegie Rowing Challenge will be a real test of physical strength and stamina and I’m looking forward to testing myself against my fellow players and also fans of the game. It would be great to see representatives from the whole rugby league family getting involved in this unique event and I’m sure we can raise lots of money for a very worthy cause.”
Tim Adams, Chairman of Try Assist adds: “Try Assist, the RFL Benevolent Fund Charity, was formed five years ago in response to a commitment to give lifelong support to seriously injured Rugby League players. Those players who have had career changing injuries are supported by the Fund by a variety of means including help with house refurbishments, car adaptations, educational programmes, and it also provides a forum for social and welfare networking. The Carnegie Rowing Challenge is an excellent opportunity for us to raise the profile of the charity and encourage people to test themselves to their physical and mental limits.”
Several of the competitors have already begun their fundraising efforts and welcome sponsorship and donations, which can be given at www.justgiving.com/carnegierowingchallenge
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