Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust
The Organisation Behind Cambridge Sport Lakes

The organisation driving the vision of Cambridge Sport Lakes is Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust (formerly known as Cambridge Rowing Trust), a registered charity established to construct and maintain a 220-acre lake and country-park close to the centre of Cambridge. The Trust was established in 1992 with the primary aim of developing standards of rowing in the region and since this date has expanded its vision to one of a multi-sport hub of opportunity and education accessible to all. Key objectives in addition to building Cambridge Sport Lakes are to provide equipment, supervision, training and coaching for the public benefit with the aim of widening participation in outdoor sports.

The History of the Organisation [top]

The Trust was founded with an initial gift of £500,000. Early fundraising efforts included an effort to secure support for the project from the Sport England Lottery Fund in 1997, though this application was later withdrawn. The Trust has continued to solicit potential donors and to date £5.1 million has been raised. A significant proportion of this has been spent on design, planning and land acquisition costs to advance the project.

Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust has also instigated a sport development programme to fulfil its objectives of providing education and widening participation in outdoor sports. Through the purchase of equipment and the creation of courses and competitions the Trust has, for example, made rowing more accessible to women, young people and people with disabilities. Partners in the Trust’s sport development programme include Local Authorities, schools and sport clubs.

Governance [top]

Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom contribute their services voluntarily. Trustees meet quarterly to take strategic decisions, which are supported by committees covering important aspects such as Management, Audit and Investment. Each committee has written terms of reference and is charged with monitoring events and making recommendations to the Board, which may delegate specific decisions back to the committee. Budget control is the responsibility of the Director of Resource Development. For fundraising, the Trust employs three staff, backed up by an extensive and growing network of volunteers and supporters throughout the Cambridge region, the UK and world-wide.

During the construction phases the Trustees have decided to maintain a strategic reserve of assets. Investment strategy is set by the Investment Committee for a period of five years and determined after considering expected demand for funds, income requirements, the risk profile and the investment manager’s view of the market prospects in the medium term.

Patrons and Trustees [top]

Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust is privileged to enjoy the Royal Patronage of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT. In addition, the Trust has 18 distinguished Patrons, many of whom are leading figures in the world of sport or in the regional community. Patrons attend special occasions and celebrations, and contribute experience and expertise where they see fit.

Royal Patron

  • HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT

Founder

  • Brian Fenwick-Smith

Patrons

  • Guin Batten
  • Sir Adrian Cadbury DL
  • Anne Campbell
  • Sir Geoffrey Cass
  • Stephanie Cook MBE
  • James Crowden KStJ JP
  • Jonathan Djanogly MP
  • Andrew Lansley CBE MP
  • Sir John Major
  • Michael Marshall CBE DL
  • Ron Needs
  • James Paice MP
  • Annamarie Phelps
  • Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE
  • Sir Steve Redgrave CBE DL
  • Mike Spracklen OBE
  • Prof Sarah Springman OBE CEng MICE
  • Mike Sweeney

Trustees

Campaign for Cambridge Sport Lakes

  • Sir David Trippier (Chairman)
  • Adrian Cassidy (Vice Chairman)

 

The US Friends of Cambridge Sport Lakes

  • Jon Bernstein
  • Peter Ellis
  • Gardner Cadawalder(Chairman)
  • Michael Joukowsky
  • John Lambert
  • Stan Marcuss
  • Dodge Thompson
  • Steve Tourek

 

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