Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has secured a meeting with Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch MP to discuss the promotion and funding of Cornish pilot gig racing, following a question in Parliament this morning.
Speaking in Parliament today, Steve asked:
“Cornish pilot gig rowing is one of the fastest growing participation sports in the country but it struggles to get the recognition it needs because it is registered under British rowing which is actually a very different type of sport.”
“Will the sports minister meet with me to discuss how we can get pilot gig rowing better recognition and support this excellent participation sport?”
In response the Minister confirmed her first-hand knowledge of the sport, having joined a gig crew at Mousehole last year, and accepted the invitation.
Speaking after the debate, Steve said:
.“From Mousehole to Mevagissey, Newlyn to Newquay, Pilot Gig Rowing is a great participation sport which enjoys great uptake across Cornwall and one which I have always supported, having rowed myself in Newquay in recent years.”
“I recently met with the Cornwall Pilot Gig Club Association to discuss what more we can do to help with the funding and promotion of this quintessentially Cornish sport.”
“I am pleased to have secured this meeting with the Minister and look forward to discussing the tremendous potential of pilot gig rowing both in Cornwall and further afield, soon.”