On 8th-9th August, members of the four Oxford University boat clubs will be running, cycling and erging as many kilometres as possible to raise funds for eight bursaries at Fulham Reach Boat Club. The Oxford Bursary, as it will be called, will be awarded on a need-basis to BAME junior athletes for whom the cost of rowing is prohibitive. This is part of a commitment to increase the outreach activity of the university clubs, and more generally to support movements for equality.

There are many clubs and initiatives are currently enacting change. We have decided to partner with one we know and trust, Fulham Reach Boat Club. FRBC operates a youth rowing programme designed to bring rowing to those who would otherwise be unable to participate due to financial or other barriers. They focus on both introducing young men and women to the sport, through state-school partnerships in physical education, and the development of committed junior athletes. This is made possible by a mix of government and private support, and volunteer work.

The Oxford to Fulham Fundraiser will support the programme. Members of the four Oxford clubs have been pooled and divided into teams, and will race virtually between Oxford and Fulham, covering the 100 mi distance as many times as possible (please see our social media channels for updates on their progress). In doing so, we aim to raise £4,000 to cover the cost of a years membership for eight athletes (four men and four women) from BAME backgrounds who would otherwise struggle to meet this cost. Any additional funds will be rolled over to next year. Your support in reaching this goal, and increasing the accessibility of rowing, would be greatly appreciated.