5/23/08

Mpumi Makes Team for Junior Worlds


Congratulations to Mpumi Geza who has made the team to attend the Junior World Championships Rowing competition which will be held in Austria in July.
We are extremely proud of you and wish you all the very best.

5/14/08

Introduction to Rowing at Bishop Bavin School

WHY ROWING ?

Rowing is far less visible than Rugby, Netball, Swimming etc and most parents have little or no experience of the sport, however there are many reasons why new pupils should consider rowing as their school sport.

The sport of rowing (at school level) demands a very high level of commitment, not only from the rowers themselves but from parents, coaches and staff who maintain and run the Club. Teamwork, dedication, self-discipline and persistence are an integral part of rowing whether novice or seasoned campaigner. The benefits to any child participating in such an environment are obvious. It is no accident that rowing is offered as a sport at most top schools and universities around the world.

Rowing also offers plenty of opportunity for pupils to mix and socialize with different age groups within the school as well as with their peers in other rowing schools in a safe and controlled environment.

Rowing is more than just a sport to the girls and boys who participate; it provides them with a sense of determination and strength of character.

WHY BISHOP BAVIN ?

Rowing was first introduced at Bishop Bavin in 1994 and despite the relatively small student body and limited resources the school has gone onto win the Melanie Rawbone trophy for best Co-Ed school at the SA Schools Championships 5 times over the past 6 years, and last season won the Derek Read trophy for best boys sculling school.

WHO CAN ROW ?

Rowing at Bishop Bavin is open to boys and girls from grade 6 upwards. All are welcome !!

SAFETY

Safety is a priority; therefore novice rowers are trained to complete a standard sculling test which is set out by the SA Schools Rowing Union (SASRU). This ensures that they are equipped to handle any eventuality whilst on the water. Our coaches are all highly skilled and some have competed at National level. Above all they have great passion for rowing and are committed to the sport.


THE ROWING SEASON

Fitness training for senior rowers takes place throughout the year; however the season begins in earnest with a camp in the last week of the August holidays and culminates in the SA Schools Championships in early March. This camp is great fun and not to be missed ! It allows coaches the opportunity to check fitness levels, assess potential and improve rowing skills.

TRAINING

Training is scheduled during the week at Germiston Lake where the school’s boat shed is located. The school bus takes the rowers to and from the lake, leaving after school and returning around 17:30. Land based training takes place in the gym and on the sports fields at school.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ?

A copy of the rowing club’s information and etiquette guide is available from the school public relations office or the Rowing Parents Support Group.

HOW TO JOIN ?

All newcomers who are interested in rowing ( from grade 6 upwards) can contact Mrs. Renee Blackie (082 721 2009) or the Chairperson of the rowing parents support group, Eric Donaldson (082 451 5056).