And the winner is... (From Warrington Guardian)

And the winner is...

5:21pm Thursday 8th February 2007 in Sport By Nick Lakeman

LAST year was a memorable one for Warrington Rowing Club and 2007 has continued on a similar course.

The Howley-based club won the club of the year award, sponsored by Carphone Warehouse, at the Warrington Sports Personality of 2006 dinner held at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night.

"This is fantastic for the club," captain Graeme Atherton told the Warrington Guardian.

"It is a great accolade for everyone, not just the rowers but the many volunteers that do a lot of work behind the scene.

"It sets us up to push on again this year. We're looking to increase our membership and the standards of our facilities and attract more sponsors and do more fundraising.

"It is a total surprise, we didn't expect it because there is some tough competition and some fantastic clubs out there.

"It is a great accolade for everyone, not just the rowers but the many volunteers that do a lot of work behind the scene"

Captain Graeme Atherton

"This has been a great night, good fun, everything has been excellent."

Warrington Rowing Club, based on the River Mersey by Kingsway Bridge, is flourishing thanks to a partnership with Lymm High School.

The club is one of the fastest growing in the country, doubling from 70 to 140 members - 75 juniors and 65 seniors - in the last three years.

Its emphasis on youth is paying dividends with eight juniors selected for the Great Britain development scheme during 2006 and Olivia Oakes becoming only the second rower from the club to represent her country at junior level.

Warrington Rowing Club also won six medals at the British Indoor Rowing Championships, four at the National Schools Regatta, three at the National Inter-Regional Regatta and one at the National Championships.

Eight coaches have completed their coaching qualifications and the club has restructured their committee to aid their administration process.

In addition they have a long-term facilities development plan in place and have invested £10,000 in equipment.

Prizes: A shield and medals from The Trophy Centre, Warrington Wolves tickets, a day's paintballing with Delta Force, a signed Manchester United shirt, and champagne from Corks Out Independent Wine.