The Sydney University U23 Men’s Eight crew was given a rousing farewell from more than 150 parents and supporters before the commencement of their Canadian tour later this month. The “Canada” lunch, held at picturesque Scot’s College boat-shed last Saturday, was staged to raise much-needed funding for the crew on their four-week tour.
The crew of ten Sydney University Boat Club (SUBC) athletes and with Coach Rick van Hooydonk will compete at this year’s Ontario Rowing Championships (27-29th July) and then at Canadian Henley at St Katherine’s from 5-12th August 2012.
Initiated in 1880, Canadian Henley Regatta is one of the major regattas of the North American rowing season.
The athletes taking part in the strong Men’s Eight consist of – Thomas Sacre, , Hamish Playfair, Jack Hargreaves, Peter Koster, Nicholas Wheatley, Tom McClintock, Jon Rundle, Kit Cunningham-Reid and cox Will Raven with Ryan Barraclough competing as a sculler and acting as reserve.
SUBC Vice-President Chris Noel says “We are sending this team away to an iconic rowing event – we see this as an important development trip and one which we believe will expand our rowers horizons.”
Tom MCann SUBC President was pleased with the success of the event: ‘I would like to thank Scots College for allowing us to use their beautiful boatshed for our Canada Fundraiser and also would like to say a big thanks to the SUBC parents led by Rebecca Wilson and Julie Playfair for their hard work in putting the event together.”
If you missed the lunch but would like to assist the crew , donations can still be made through Sydney Uni Boat Club. Contact Michaela Waldbauer on boat@tnw.com.au or call 9559 1300 and ask for Micha.