The Liverpool 8 Challenge

Date: 19 November 2005

Steve is launching a hunt for a new squad of eight rowers... doesn't sound so difficult for a man with years of experience in the rowing world and a keen eye for up-and-coming talent so why is ITV following him in his quest? Maybe because there's a catch, in fact, there's more than one catch designed to make this enough of a challenge for a man who is used to overcoming obstacles to achieve his ambitions.

Firstly, the catchment area for the search is limited to Liverpool only. Not Manchester, not Cheshire and definitely not Henley-on-Thames, just Liverpool. Secondly, he must find eight young men aged between 17 and 25 who have never so much as picked up an oar. And lastly, once Steve has found the eligable candidates, he has to transform them into top-class rowers to compete at the highest level at the Henley Royal Regatta.

"I'm extremely excited about Liverpool 8." Steve commented. "Taking a bunch of young guys who've never rowed before and giving them the tools and the motivation to try out for the Henley Regatta is a massive challenge, but I'm going to give it everything I've got."

If you are from Liverpool, aged between 17 and 25, have never rowed before and fancy your chances of toppling the biggest names in rowing, please get in touch with the organisers (details below). You will need to undertake fitness and aptitude test on November 30 in Liverpool. The best cadidates will then embark on a training programme with Sir Steve and his team of experts that will culminate at Henley Royal Regatta 2006.

To apply for the Liverpool 8 challenge:
Telephone 0207 428 6040
Email: rowers@outlineproductions.co.uk

Jacqueline Alexander

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