Family Days Out - Local Boy Meets Japanese Rowing Team

Longridge were calling for volunteers to assist with flag waving and boat paddling for the opening of the World Rowing Championships which kicked off on the 20th August, ending on the 27th. Hiroki Takano aged 12, of Maidenhead, volunteered to assist with the flag waving and was proud enough to be the carrier of the Japanese flag. After the opening ceremony he was fortunate enough to briefly meet the Japanese rowing team and wished them all well.

His mother, Ngaire Takano was later contacted in the week by Longridge as they had received a request by the Japanese team to have a photo taken with them. He was presented with a Japanese badge and flag representing the Japanese Rowing Association.

Hiroki is also active with Fencing, attending a local fencing club in Eton. He was recently presented with Master of Arms with the British Youth Championships for under 13yrs. With his participation on Saturday, he is now eager to become a volunteer at Longridge and become a Sea Scout.

Longridge is seeking to raise £1.5m to buy the site from the Scout Association. Without this money, the site will close in 2007.

With help of staff and many volunteers Longridge enables young people from all walks of life and of all abilities to develop water skills as well as leadership, self-discipline, confidence and respect for themselves and others. Idyllically situated on the banks of the Thames near Marlow. Longridge is the only facility of its kind in the South East of England that allows young people to enjoy - in a controlled and safe environment - a variety of watercraft, from gigs to canoes.

For further information regarding how you can help with Longridge, please contact 01628 483252 or www.friendsoflongridge.co.uk

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[ Local Boy Meets Japanese Rowing Team ]