London Otters RC, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ inclusive rowing club, raises over £1,000 for Not a Phase at biggest ever ‘Rainbow Races’ event

Earlier this month, London Otters Rowing Club, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ inclusive rowing club, hosted the annual Rainbow Races at the Royal Albert Dock where they raised £1,192.52 for trans charity, Not a Phase.

London Otters Rowing Club was founded in 2014 with just a handful of people as a way to help LGBTQ+ people get into the sport and enjoy it in a welcoming and inclusive environment, and has grown into one of the UK’s largest rowing clubs with over 200 active members. 

Since 2017 the club has held an annual ‘Rainbow Races’ event to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in rowing and to raise money for charitable causes.

Across six heats and two finals, the day saw some exciting races and close finishes. The crews were assembled just for the day out of rowers from different clubs, but once in the boats, competitive spirits took over and participants were there to win! The Chief Umpire for the day was Grant ‘Ralphie’ Ralph, club co-founder and trustee, who also serves as an umpire for British Rowing regattas around the country.

The event was supported by the Royal Docks Watersports Centre and ocal café The Dockside got in on the action, donating 25% of their revenue from the day to Not a Phase.

London Otters said: "It was wonderful to have our community leaders show up to our event and stand in solidarity against homophobia and transphobia in sport."