RMB SA National Rowing Championships 2023
Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria - The RMB SA National Rowing Championships concluded this past weekend with a record turnout of 1000 spectators coming to support the 900 athletes from around the country competing in 800 boats.
The championships were held at Roodeplaat Rowing Course which has seen significant upgrades of late due to the hosting of the World Rowing Masters Regatta, which will be taking place in September this year.
A diverse group of athletes competed in the RMB SA National Rowing Championships, ranging from juniors to masters and elite Olympians. The oldest rower in the master’s category was 92 years of age, which is a testament to the inclusivity of the sport of rowing. Rowers from RowSA's flagship Indoor Rowing Development programme also competed, with the top indoor rowers getting opportunities to attend preparation camps and to race on the water and be part of the regatta. The programme has been a major triumph for the federation by introducing many talented athletes to the sport of rowing.
With a focus on talent development and through RMB’s support, the Grassy Park Rowing Club from the Western Cape were able to afford 20 athletes from the local community the opportunity to take part and compete in the regatta. “Seeing diverse talent of all ages and from all walks of life take part in this national regatta is a testament to the talent and teamwork we see within Rowing South Africa," says RMB Head of Brand, Lucy Lightfoot. “We were particularly impressed by the young talent of tomorrow we saw out on the water this last weekend and the RMB National Squad who continue to set a great example for aspiring athletes.”
The RMB National Squad also competed in preparation for their international season, which will culminate in an Olympic qualification regatta in Serbia in September. Their first international competition is the Rowing World Cup I, which takes place in Zagreb, Croatia from 5 to 7 May 2023. The four South African men participating at the event are Henry Torr, James Mitchell, Christopher Baxter and Jake Green, while Katherine Williams and Paige Badenhorst will compete in the women’s double scull.
Rowing South Africa would like to thank all their partners and title sponsor Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) for their support in making the RMB SA National Rowing Championships a success. "The RMB SA National Rowing Championships were an incredible showcase of the talent and diversity in South African rowing. It was an honour to see so many athletes, ranging from juniors to masters and elite Olympians, compete at such a high level. We are grateful to RMB and all our partners for their support in making this event possible, and we look forward to seeing the future of South African rowing at the National Selection Regatta in two weeks," said Sean Kerr, President of Rowing South Africa.
