Rowing in Stoke and North Staffordshire has received a boost with national recognition as a centre for developing junior rowing. Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson presented the prestigious Clubmark Award on behalf of Sport England and the Amateur Rowing Association at a recent ceremony. Less than two percent of sports clubs across the country have achieved this status.

The Trentham Watersports Association represents the interest of young people, students and adults who row and canoe at Trentham Gardens.

Jane Yorke, Chairman of the Trentham Boat Club received the award on behalf of all the groups involved. Jane commented that Clubmark "recognises a huge amount of work by volunteers in the club and groups that support us including Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent City Council, Trentham Leisure Ltd and Sport Across Staffordshire."

Guests included Mark Thornewill of the County Sports Partnership who commented that " it is great to see rowing and canoeing delivering sport, physical activity and volunteering opportunities for people of all ages. It looks as if watersports in Stoke will play a major part in the Legacy of the London 2012 Olympics"