Local schools in Sedgefield will be the first beneficiaries of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation's Champions' Challenge. Concept2, key delivery partners in the indoor rowing element of the Foundation's activities, are underwriting the programme in the Sedgefield School Sports Partnership. It is envisaged that the programme will engage 70,000 children, drawn from 250 schools across the North East of England, in its first year. The programme uses indoor rowing to promote the benefits of regular physical activity. Teachers will be coached by Concept2 Master Instructors, and given access to specially developed lesson plans, featuring a complementary healthy eating project. Diane Snowsill, Partnership Development Manager of the Sedgefield SSP, said: "This is fantastic for us. We have been aware of the benefits of indoor rowing for some time, but have previously been unable to find funding. "The work of the Tony Blair Foundation, and Concept2, will enable us to engage children and, in the longer term, other members of the community." Tom Kay, the triple world rowing champion who is Concept2's Head of Education, added: "We�ve got a real chance to touch those pupils who are not turned on by traditional physical education � I was once one myself. Indoor rowing builds fitness, and healthy habits. It�s also a whole lot of fun." Sedgefield Community College will be the hub of the programme, which will also involve seven local primary schools. These are: * Sedgefield Primary * Sedgefield Hardwick Primary * Fishburn Primary * Trimdon Junior School * St Williams Roman Catholic Primary School * Bishop Middleham Primary School * West Cornforth Primary School The Foundation�s Champions' Challenge will be rolled out to all 31 School Sports Partnerships in the North East. Volunteers will also be trained to coach within schools, and sponsoring companies have the opportunity to participate in a Workplace Health scheme.