Once again, Gauteng Championships was an occasion for celebration. The St Mary’s rowing club placed first overall in the Junior Women Schools’ category. This was a huge achievement and is proof that all the tough sessions and challenging training camps were worth it.

The stellar support from the coaches and parents, as well as the cheering on the bank from the athletes, definitely played an important role in the outcome of the weekend. The result was a perfect way to wrap up this half-season and congratulations are extended to all the rowers who participated in this event.

As Gauteng Championships preparation ended, Boat Race training began. This is an exciting event for both spectators and rowers and takes place early in December. It is approximately a 4000m course held in Port Alfred on the Kowie River and incorporates strategic coxing and endurance rowing.

Congratulations to Tessa Brugman, Sinead Erasmus, Danelia Price-Hughes, Reece McGregor, Heather Welchman, and Sophia Babaya who have been selected for the Boat Race crew. We wish them luck as they race in this memorable event.

Congratulations are also extended to Ziyanda Gwamanda on her inclusion in the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints Championship team. The championship will be held in Namibia from 2 to 4 December. The team will be travelling on 29 November to prepare for the new challenge of coastal rowing. Good luck, Ziyanda!

The year is quickly coming to an end and the rowing club wishes the St Mary’s community a very merry Christmas. May Christmas be a cheerful end to 2022 and a fresh start to the new year. Wishing everyone a well-deserved and relaxing holiday.

SOPHIA BABAYA
FORM III