Gauteng Rowing Schools’ Champs 2019

St Stithians College were the proud hosts of the Gauteng Rowing Schools’ Champs held over three days, 1 – 3 November 2019 at Roodeplaat Dam.

Sixteen schools from around Gauteng, with 800 rowers, competed in 146 races. Most races required rowers to qualify in various heats for a place in the final division of each event.

This year’s regatta was a particularly special one as it was not only hosted by the St Stithians Rowing Club, but it saw the entire regatta come to an abrupt halt on Saturday for two hours when everyone, young and old, parent and athlete, gathered around the big screens to watch the Springboks dominate England to win their third World Cup title.

In true rowing style, it was business as usual after the game and officials and athletes took to the water to finish off racing for the day, completely inspired by what they had just witnessed.

Rugby aside, this regatta was a resounding success for the Rowing Club, the parents committee put together a seamless and excellently run regatta, their hard work, effort and commitment paid off. The whole parent body got involved working shifts and jobs which often meant that they missed out on their own child’s races and they did this willingly and in great spirits.

The Champs culminated with the u19 Prize-Giving with the overall trophies going to St Andrews School for Girls and St Benedict’s College Bedfordview, St Stithians finished 3rd in the overall points category, indicating that the club is currently ranked 3rd provincially.

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