8th June 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:

“We should have gone into lockdown sooner”

Professor John Edmunds – SAGE

As racial tensions flare across the globe, the coronavirus pandemic continues to take thousands of lives every day. In the UK there is some evidence that infection rates are climbing once again, whilst in other countries, the end of the first peak is eagerly anticipated.

The world bank this week have described how ‘billions’ are set to feel the economic impact of Covid-19, as they warn that a further 60 million individuals may find themselves below the poverty line on the other side of the pandemic. Speaking to the BBC’s Radio Four, David Malpass warned that a group of people the size of the British population could find themselves living on less than £1 a day.

In further attempts to curb the economic fallout of the outbreak, it is reported that Number 10 is considering relaxing Sunday trading laws to allow shops and supermarkets to open their doors to more people for longer. The move quickly came under fire from the opposition, as Lisa Nandy – Shadow Foreign Secretary – told Andrew Marr that the Labour Party is against relaxing Sunday trading laws as it doesn’t provide the right type of economic stimulus.

Professor John Edmunds who forms part of the Government’s SAGE group has told the public that we should have gone into lockdown sooner. The UK entered a period of lockdown measures on the 23rd March when the infection rate was estimated to be at 100,000 new cases per day. Prof Edmunds’ comments clash with those of the Health Secretary who insists that we went into lockdown “at the right time.” Both agreed, however, that there is no room for complacency in reducing lockdown measures.

A stark reminder of how easily the R-rate can climb came this week from Weston-super-Mare where the local hospital was forced to close after a sudden surge in the number of Coronavirus related admissions. Mr Hancock has said that the government would like to see the average R-rate to remain below one, but that local lockdowns would be enforced to prevent a second spike.

On a lighter note, football fans have found hope once again after the first match of the German Bundesliga tournament was broadcast by BT Sport who added crowd noise to increase the intensity of the action. Other tournaments across Europe have also re-begun in Denmark, Austria, and Greece.

The headlines this week, however, have been dominated by the protests of the Black Lives Matter movement, both in the US, UK and across the globe. The protests began after the violent death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis; Mr Floyd was pictured under the knee of a law enforcement officer at the side of the street. The officer in question has been charged with second-degree murder and is awaiting trial.

The events of the 25th of May have sparked a series of huge protests both in the United States and elsewhere with many calling for the de-funding of US police services and for further action to be taken to root out inequality and injustice in the 21st century. The protests have not taken place without criticism, with the Trump administration drafting over 20,000 members of the National Guard to Washington D.C. to curb any violent outbursts.

In the UK, the once deserted capital has had its streets filled once again as protesters demand change in UK legislation to promote equality. Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Lisa Nandy has asked protesters to be mindful of social distancing, whilst Matt Hancock has reminded the crowds that gatherings of more than six are currently against government advice and indeed the law. German Health Minister Jens Spahn has also expressed his concern regarding the size of public gatherings, saying: “crowds during this pandemic worry me.” It has also emerged that at least 27 police officers have been injured during the demonstrations, including one officer who was thrown from her horse after colliding with a traffic light at high speed.

In other world news, the Sino-American debate has ratcheted up once again as US Senator has claimed that US intelligence agencies have uncovered evidence that China is deliberately trying to derail efforts to find a vaccine. It comes just days after US President Donald Trump suspended WHO funding over the China scandal.

Johns Hopkins University has confirmed that the global death toll has passed another grim milestone, with over 400,000 deaths confirmed to date; the UK currently has the second-highest death rate with around 10% of global deaths.

The third-worst affected country – Brazil – has announced that they will publish less data on the nation’s death and infection rates, just moments after months of data was removed from a government website. The South American country currently has 36,000 confirmed deaths as a result of Covid-19. In Russia meanwhile, half-a-million cases have been confirmed as the number of daily hospital admissions continues to rise.

It has also transpired that the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukel, has for a second time vetoed a relaxation of lockdown; whilst in Italy, far-right opposition to government action has turned violent.

British Rowing:

“Junior Rowing News was established to help provide a platform for young rowing writers and so we are delighted to join forces with British Rowing on this initiative.”

Tom Morgan – Founder and Publisher, Junior Rowing News

A busy week for the British Rowing community has seen new competitions and initiatives launched, along with updated return to rowing guidance as well as the emergence of upsetting news from within the sport.

The highlight of the week was the launch of the Young Writers Competition; a joint venture between Mizuno, British Rowing, and Junior Rowing News. The competition aims to bring talented young sportswriters into the limelight as digital media consumption becomes the new norm. Mizuno ambassador James Cracknell told JRN “Rowing clubs across the country are coming up with some really innovative ideas to keep their clubs going during coronavirus. I’m excited to hear about not only what the clubs have been doing but also how these young writers choose to capture it.”

Those who enter will be in with a chance of winning the opportunity to interview some of the nation’s most eminent professional rowers, as well as getting their hands on a pair of Mizuno’s industry-leading training shoes: The TC-01. For more information on how to enter head over to the British Rowing website. Good luck!

British Rowing has also updated their return to the water guidance this week that incorporates several pieces of information omitted from version one, as well as providing new guidance on topics not previously covered. The updated guidance can be found here.

Elsewhere, Andrew Cook has been sentenced to a six-year prison sentence after a string of 37 sexual offences over the course of nine years. The-30-year old was fired from a South-London school two years ago following an internal disciplinary hearing. Mr Cook has been placed on the National Sex Offender registry and has been banned from working with children.

Much like the rest of society, the rowing world has been shocked by incidents of racism still taking place. Late last week, De Montford University came under scrutiny after a photo emerged of boat club members who are alleged to have taken part in racially motivated activities earlier in the year.

In lighter news, Beccy Muzerie (formerly Girling) is the latest feature in British Rowing’s ‘meet the team’ series. Muzerie, originally from Fareham, has won twice at Henley Women’s Regatta and has collected a number of medals whilst with the British Rowing Senior Squad.

World Environment Day provided us with an opportunity to reflect on how reduced river activity has improved the lives of our waterways. Chloe Juyon said: “I have never seen the water so clean and calm. Unfortunately, Bristol Harbour is still mainly closed at the moment and with the gorgeous weather we have been having it is difficult to just look at it.” There are, however, reports that litter levels are beginning to rise once again as lockdown eases.

International Rowing:

“The ERB and the OC are doing their best to be able to provide competition opportunities for European rowers.”

World Rowing

A sleepy week on the international front saw new dates set for the European Under23 Championships, as well as new global initiatives to battle plastic pollution and climate change.

As the rowing community gets set to row and scull for the first time since lockdown began, serious questions loom over the safety of club activity and shared equipment. To help quash some of these fears, the Sports Medicine Commission at FISA has put together a set of guidelines and suggestions for anyone involved in the sport of rowing. To hear more on how the rowing scene is set to change in the coming months, check out this episode of our podcast with FISA Executive Director Matt Smith.

On the European stage, new dates were confirmed this week for the Under23 Championships to be held in Duisburg, Germany. The competition will take place between the 5-6th September 2020. The European Rowing Board has detailed measures which will be taken to enforce infection prevention guidelines, including requiring all competitors to sign a consent form, exempting the organising committee from any damages as a result of not adhering to event guidelines, or medical costs as result of an infection.

Founded by Olympian Hannah Mills, The Big Plastic pledge aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste created at sporting events. World Rowing and the IOC have both expressed their support for the programme which advocates for an end to the use and sale of all single-use plastics in sport. More information on the BPP, including how you can help can be found on their website.

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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, catch the latest episodes of our podcast here, and keep up with content from across our team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Stay Safe

Ed Evans 

Opinions Editor

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