The Sharks, a London-based paddle sports club, played host to the Deputy Mayor of London at their inaugural race at Southmere Lake, in Thamesmead.
Mete Coban MBE expressed a keen interest in the partnership between The Sharks and the Peabody Housing Association.
The Sharks have recently been given access to the boathouse at the Southmere Water Sports & Activity Centre.
It is hoped it will give paddle sports a boost in the area.
Mr Coban discussed mayoral policy focused on recognising and cleaning up rivers.
He also highlighted the new partnership’s potential to educate young people about water safety.
The opening event featured 30 paddlers who raced across the lake, navigated through the fountain, and finished at the boathouse.
Peabody has invested £2.5m into Southmere Lake to improve water quality and create more habitat for wildlife.
James Hinves, Paddle UK Discipline Development Manager, said:
“It was fantastic to see the Peabody partnership with The Sharks that has given access to the new boathouse and lake, I am sure it will give a huge boost to paddle sports in the local area.
“It was also a pleasure listening to The Sharks’ Neal Underwood [coach and athlete] describe plans for their new home to the London Deputy Mayor.
“It has definitely laid the foundation for the future.”
Joanna, one of the Sharks members, said:
“The young teenagers who are getting involved with The Sharks become interested in their health and school, not sitting around.”
The Southmere Water Sports & Activity Centre was completed in 2022.
It was part of a £2.5m investment in Southmere Lake, undertaken to improve water quality, increase biodiversity and encourage people to make the most of the local landscape.