Community news
Rainbow Races: London Otters Host Annual Regatta
London Otters, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ inclusive rowing club based in Royal Albert Dock, held its annual Rainbow Races charity event again this year, bringing together rowers, supporters, and allies for an afternoon of community, celebration and fundraising.
Founded in 2014, the London Otters began with just a handful of members and a mission to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals in rowing. Today, the club boasts over 200 active members and continues to champion inclusion in sport, teaching more than 500 people how to row.
Rainbow Races, inspired by Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, has been a staple in the club’s event calendar since 2017. This vibrant charity regatta features sprint races in mixed crews, with rowers donning coloured t-shirts to form Pride flags in their boats. Each year, the Otters select a charity to support, and this year’s event raised an impressive £1,192.52 for Not a Phase, a trans-led charity dedicated to uplifting trans+ adults across the UK.
Congratulations to the winning crews, who walked away with some lovely rainbow laces from Stonewall. These were presented by local MP for West Ham and Beckton, James Asser, and Newham Council Chair, Dr. Rohit Dasgupta. It was fantastic to have community leaders attend and stand in solidarity against homophobia and transphobia in sport.
Support from the local community was strong, with Dockside Café donating a portion of their profits to the fundraising effort, and Royal Docks Watersports Centre once again providing the venue and ongoing support as the club’s home base.
Rainbow Races continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, inclusion, and community in sport. Congratulations to all who took part and here’s to another year of making waves for equality!
