ROWERS from the borough are hoping not to be in oar of the competition as they prepare for their debut at a regatta today.

A team of youngsters from four schools in the borough are entering the rowing heats of the Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta for the first time ever and will be aiming to impress.

A total of 31 boroughs have registered teams in the events, which will take place at the Royal Victoria Docks and London Regatta Centre, in Newham.

More than 700 youngsters will compete in sailing, rowing, kayak sprint and kayak slalom disciplines.

Despite limited water based facilities in the borough, the Barnet team will only not be competing in the Kayak sprint.

The rowing team comprises of students from Hendon school, the London Academy, Henrietta Barnet, and St Michaels.

Olympic rowing gold medallist Greg Searle, who won the coxed pairs at the 1992 Barcelona Games, has given his backing to this weekend's events.

He said: “I know the Regatta is a real chance for people to get out in boats and see how enjoyable it is, how good it is to be part of a team and maybe get a taste for what it is like to win as a team as well.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get more exposed to the broader Olympic sports like rowing, sailing, canoeing and all the other sports that happen right across the whole of the London Youth Games.

“There is talent out there and a lot of fun to be had from doing other sports, but people don’t necessarily get the opportunity.”

The Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta form part of the wider London Youth Games, which culminate with a finals weekend at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre July 3 and 4.