Gemini becomes principal partner of the 2021 Boat Race in Ely
Gemini have been announced as the principal partner of the 2021 Boat Race.
The cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which was founded in 2014 by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, will be backing the 166th men’s and 75th women’s events on Easter Sunday, April 4.
The races are being held as a closed event on the River Great Ouse at Ely, covered live by the BBC, because of the ongoing restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gemini, which provides individuals and institutions with a simple and secure way to buy, sell, store and earn on crypto, was launched in the UK in 2020 and the partnership with the Boat Race Company will also see the creation of the Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme.
The £75,000 will provide rowing instruction and education to students through the Fulham Reach Boat Club, which is a registered charity.
“We are delighted to welcome Gemini as the principal partner of the Boat Race,” said Boat Race Company chairman Robert Gillespie.
“The fact that a global and innovative FinTech company is joining as a Boat Race partner at this time demonstrates a high level of trust and confidence in the careful planning and work that BRCL and local stakeholders have put in over the past few months to stage an event that is fully compliant with Covid safety regulations and therefore closed to the public.”
The Winklevoss twins competed for Oxford in the 2010 Boat Race, which was won by Cambridge, having previously rowed for the United States at the Beijing Olympics.
Gemini president Cameron Winklevoss said: “Our experience in rowing taught us that whether you are building yourself as an athlete or building a start-up, the power of big dreams together with conviction and perseverance cannot be underestimated.
“We are excited to support this historic event to go ahead safely and widen access to the sport through The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme.
“Our hope for the Bursary Scheme is to enable more young people to explore the skills that rowing develops in and outside of the boat, including focus, confidence and teamwork.”
BRCL continues to work with East Cambridgeshire District Council and other local agencies to deliver this year’s event in Ely within government guidelines.
