We are really chuffed to announce that we are now supporting local rowers, Matt Wells and Marcus Bateman, as they attempt to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Bermuda-born Marcus train at the Pinscent and Redgrave Rowing Lake in Caversham. He has been rowing since the age of 21 and, at 28, has won silver at the 2010 World Championships and 2011 Henley Royal Regatta.

Matt trains at the British Rowing Lake in Caversham. He was born in Yorkshire and was brought up in Hexham, Northumberland. He started rowing in 1993, aged 14, at Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham. He then attended University in London and has now made London his home. London 2012 will be Matt's fourth Olympic Games and he has won medals at junior, under 23 and senior levels. In 2008 he won the bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and intends to better that at London 2012.

“This is just so great,” said Marcus and Matt. “We can’t thank Sytner and MINI enough. We spend a lot of time driving to and from training sessions and driving to events ahead of London 2012 so having brand new cars is amazing. Suddenly, we’re the envy of all our friends!”

“It’s fantastic partnering local athletes hoping to qualify for London 2012,” said Paul Fruen, Dealer Principal at Sytner Canary Wharf. “We’re really rooting for them and are delighted to be involved in their journey. Backing Matt and Marcus make us all feel as if we’re playing a part in the London 2012 Games too.”

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