Sunday marked a special day for Stratford Boat Club as they named their ‘new’ lightweight eight after Stratford’s Silver Olympian, Esmé Booth

Eric Appleton, Chairman of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club, welcomed the Club’s members and invited guests to the boat naming ceremony by highlighting Esmé’s remarkable journey from a Boat Club junior to Silver Olympian and the hard work that she and her coaches had put in over the years and how her positive attitude and perseverance were an inspiration not only to aspiring juniors but to members throughout the Club

The Chairman commented further by saying, “Naming a boat after someone is one of the highest honours that a rowing club can bestow: it creates a lasting connection between that individual’s achievements and the generations that follow. We hope that every crew who rows in this eight, or any other boat for that matter, will be inspired by the example that Esmé has set and embrace the values that helped Esmé get to her Olympic standard: commitment, perseverance, sportsmanship and ambition”

Stratford’s President Jen Cary echoed the Chairman’s sentiments and spoke of the strength of the Club, the people who made it what it is and thanked members, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, donors and fundraisers who work tirelessly for the Club and benefit the whole local community

After the unveiling and naming of the boat by Esmé herself, the members and guests went into the Club Room for q and a session with Esmé and some refreshments

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page nineteen and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/news/stratford-s-olympic-medalist-esme-booth-has-boat-named-in-he-9487171 and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/boat-named-in-honour-of-medal-winning-olympian-rower-64989