St Mary’s Junior Regatta – setting the stage for future Olympians

On Saturday, 29 October 2022, St Mary’s Junior Regatta, in partnership with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), welcomed hundreds of U14 and U15 athletes from 18 schools to Roodeplaat Dam for an action-packed day of rowing.

“St Mary’s hasn’t hosted an event at Roodeplaat since 2013, which makes this a very special event for our community,” says Caitlin Dace, St Mary’s rowing coach.

The regatta drew young athletes from top rowing schools St Stithians College, St Benedict’s College, St Andrews School for Girls, as well as development teams including Soweto Rowing Club.

“Hosting a regatta is enormously expensive, with the safety and health of our athletes being of our top concern,” says Caitlin. “To this end we are delighted to have the support of RMB.

The bank also sponsored resident rowing photographer Bruce Vaiene to capture the day, sharing the action with the athletes, spectators and families.

RMB chief marketing officer, Alison Badenhorst, says support for school rowing events is vital to secure the future of the sport in South Africa.

“RMB is passionate about unlocking talent and investing for the future,” she says. “Partnering with the St Mary’s Regatta gives these young athletes the opportunity to compete in a competitive environment and sows the seeds for bright young stars to become professional athletes one day – and perhaps even win an Olympic medal!”

High resolution images of the day are available to download for free from Bruce Viaene Photography.