19th April 2020: Your Weekly Briefing

This is your JRN Weekly briefing covering the developments of the last week in three key areas. If you have a story to share, contact our news desk at juniorrowingnews@gmail.com

Covid-19 Update:

“Fake news makes patients think we want them to die”

The headlines of the papers this week have been no less dramatic than throughout this pandemic but hidden beneath the facets of fear, there might be reasons for hope.

Today marks the day that millions of kids in the UK would have returned to school, but instead, this morning will see no early morning busses, packed trains or a procession of cars making the school run.

Instead, children across the country will continue to be supported by their educators remotely, as lockdown life continues.

At Sunday evening’s press conference, the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed that there are currently no plans in place to re-open schools over the summer period.

Instead, Mr Williamson announced a string of measures aimed at supporting remote teaching such as providing laptops and 4G routers to the vulnerable and disadvantaged, as well as access to the DFE backed Oak National Academy that aims to support students from Reception to Year 10.

The Education Secretary went on to discuss the 5 criteria which must be met before schools – and the country – can re-open.

Earlier in the day, Michael Gove had told media it was too early to lift restrictions on movement.

Elsewhere, concerns have been raised throughout the week over the levels of PPE that are available to health workers in the UK, amid rumours that the NHS “at breaking point” in relation to proper safety for staff.

It comes at a time when the international media have criticised Number 10 for the speed at which they responded to an emerging health crisis.

Despite these fears, however, death and infection rates both in Europe and the US appear to be slowing, although professionals and politicians have cautioned against misplaced optimism.

Such figures only paint an overview of the situation, and in certain regions, Covid-19 has pushed community relations to breaking point.

Prof John Wright of Bradford Royal Infirmary has said this week that the dangerous fake news online that claims Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients are being left to die at the city hospital, is risking countless lives.

The news broke at a time when the latest figures from the city show an increase in deaths outside hospitals. One false post online states: “Please don’t show my details. I work for BRI hospital trust. I am begging all the ummati, if you have any health condition please do NOT go to hospital. You will not come back alive from this trust… Also have your daily black seed oil which prevents all disease.”

“This is a big concern in Bradford,” says Professor Wright, “where almost a third of our population is of South Asian heritage.”

Despite the gloom of internet-fuelled fake news, there are some positives to take away from the week.

Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old veteran, has raised over £23 Million for the NHS in his campaign that started with the aim to raise £1000.

His daughter has said that Captian Moore has been left “speechless” by the amount of money that has been raised, as millions online have praised the man for his actions.

In China, a football team has returned home after spending months in isolation after their home city of Wuhan was locked down earlier this year.

In the States, this virus seems to be no match for true love, as online marriages have been approved in Colorado and New York, the epicentre of the American outbreak.

British Rowing:

#DontRushChallenge

Much like any other sporting bodies in the UK – or indeed around the world – British Rowing has continued to focus their efforts this week on providing clubs and rowers with practical advice on how to continue in the spirit of rowing in these unusual times.

The British Rowing Lockdown Webinar Series was formalised this week and includes episodes on Movement Patterns and Mobility, whilst future episodes promise advice on creative home training ideas and discussion on the importance of clean sport.

Elsewhere the swift racing ergo challenge has continued to encourage those with access to an ergo at home to continue their indoor rowing, as tips from BR’s own Go Row Indoor newsletter shows them the way.

The British National Team’s online efforts have reached new heights this week, with the Women’s team adding their own spin to the viral #DontRushChallenge.

Started by Dina Asher-Smith, the online challenge aims to raise money for the NHS, and so far the British Team’s efforts have helped them raise 50% of their £15,000 target. Details on how to donate can be found on their Just Giving Page.

International Rowing:

“While your rowing crew is stuck training in-doors, this is a great time to catch up on video watching. “

Around the world, rowers have been setting new records on Ergs as they put their all into home training programmes.

One such athlete is Georgie Rowe of the Australian National Team, who “inadvertently” set a new World Record for the indoor rowing Half Marathon. Georgie, much like many athletes around the world, has continued to train from home, despite the disappointment of the 2020 Tokyo Games cancellation.

Back home, legendary coach Bobby Thatcher has broken three records in as many days on Concept 2’s Ski Erg. Bobby coached the 2018 and 2019 St. Paul’s crews to their stunning victories at Henley Royal Regatta in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, earning him a place in our rundown of the best junior coaches back in 2018.

FISA announced this week that – much like British Rowing – they will be running their own series of online seminars, this time aimed at developing coaches so that upon their return to the water they’re primed for technical critique.

Highlights of the extensive series will include an interview with Jürgen Grobler and tips for top-level coaching from the New Zealand National Squad.

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That’s all for this week’s briefing. Be sure to tune in next week for the latest news, advice, and analysis.

Until then, keep up with our other Covid-19 content on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Stay Safe

Ed Evans 

Opinions Editor

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