Concept2�s ground-breaking schools programme is seizing the imagination of teachers and pupils in the North East.

Building on the launch of the partnership with the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, Concept2�s education team has been embedding indoor rowing into schools in the Newcastle area this week.

Tom Kay, the triple world rowing champion who leads the programme, began by overseeing a teacher training day at All Saints College.

This was then followed by a 'taster day' launch event at Heaton Manor, near Jesmond, which offered an insight into indoor rowing�s potential as a long term health and fitness tool.

The event involved 150 children from six local schools, who were introduced to the indoor rower by Concept2 Master Instructors in their PE lessons. Teachers received training, so that, by the afternoon, they were delivering sessions under supervision.

�Thanks to events like this, and the partnership with the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, indoor rowing is the coming thing in schools in the North East� said Kay. �We were all struck by the tremendous enthusiasm of the children and their teachers.

�The training we deliver gives the teachers confidence to deliver the programme, and the feedback suggests that our interactive approach will lead to a rapid expansion of the sport in the North East.�