Project Oarsome - Merkle

The team Captain: Gigi Jin Crew: Alison Ilyin, Valentina Mikrouli, Robert Mullins, Paulius Skrebutenas, Nuno Vaz Subs: Kwok Lee, Owen Scott Fun fact: We are a truly multilingual team. Everyone just happens to be bilingual! Gigi (Chinese), Alison (Russian); Valentina (Greek); Robert (Italian); Paulius (Lithuanian); Nuno (Portuguese) The charity The AHOY Centre is a registered charity based in London that helps disadvantaged children and people with disabilities to become involved in watersports and to gain certifications of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in activities such as sailing, powerboating and first aid. It has been identified as a major cultural project by the Greater London Authority. The name of the AHOY Centre is an acronym of Adventure Help and Opportunities for Youth Centre. It was officially opened in May 2004 by Anne, Princess Royaland, since then, the centre has assisted over 5,000 people to try sailing, to attend courses, and to gain recognised qualifications.The Princess Royal also revisited in 2011 to rename the specially adapted boat - which can be sailed solely by people with disabilities - The AHOY Freedom. The challenge On 6th August (Tuesday), we will be rowing whopping 8.5 miles (approx..13.68 km) on the River Thames from Cremorne Gardens through Embankment past the Tower Bridge with the finish at The AHOY Centre in Greenwich in front of the Tallship Cutty Sark. The goal We are aiming to raise £4,000 to support The AHOY so that more disadvantaged children and people with disabilities would have the opportunity to gain qualifications and life skills needed for employment.