Xchanging plc, a fast-growing global business processor, has committed to supporting the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships.

The largest junior indoor rowing event in the world, now in its fourth year, will be staged on March 16 at the Battersea Evolution site in Battersea Park.

More than 2,500 young people from diverse cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds are expected to participate in the event.

NJIRC is an annual event organised by London Youth Rowing, a registered charity launched five years ago to provide community-based youth rowing and indoor rowing programmes across the country.

It is a ground-breaking sports initiative for developing youngsters through physical activity and opening access to rowing for all, particularly those from the less-advantaged backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Xchanging, sponsors of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, will also extend support through employee volunteering on the day of the event.

Xchanging Boat Race crews for 2010 and Beijing medallists will be present at the NJIRC, encouraging young athletes and awarding medals and prizes.

The event will feature teams of eight from years 10, 11, 12 racing in a relay format.

Championship winners will have the opportunity to follow the Xchanging Boat Race in launches provided by the Royal Marines.

Daniel Kasmir, group head of HR for Xchanging, said: “At Xchanging, our corporate social responsibility initiatives are specifically focused on youth and education.

"We provide skills, resources and support fundraising activities in communities within the regions we operate in.

"NIJRC is an initiative that not only encourages fitness and wellbeing, but also and prepares young people for competing in individual and team sports.

"It is helping lay the foundations of youth sporting excellence in the run-up to 2012 Olympics.

"Xchanging is delighted to support NIJRC2010, as rowing is especially close to our hearts.”

LYR chairman Jim Downing added: “London Youth Rowing are delighted with the addition of Xchanging as a core sponsor of NJIRC.

The Boat Race are important partners and the values of teamwork, excellence and determination of the Xchanging Boat Race can be a real inspiration to our young competitors.

"We hope this is the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Xchanging as we work to deliver our programmes in the community.”