Ascot Canoe Regatta
The Rotaract Club of Ascot used to run an annual Canoe Regatta, a competitive event where teams of 4 people from each club (or teams from mixed clubs) competed to win the "Oar". We always made a point of supporting this event, and we even had some South Perth Rotaractors on winning teams now and then!
A variety of races were held, involving two people rowing to an island in the middle of the river, either touching a tree or collecting a token or balloon, rowing back, and tagging the other two in the team to do the same thing.
Our team in 2000 did not do terribly well (at least we didn't lose!). Fortunately both our 2001 teams were tremendous, finishing in the first and second places! Congratulations to the winning team of Amber Collins, Damian Kane, Chris Day, and Ben Dellabosca. Our second team was lead by Robert Cass. The 2001 team members who are members of South Perth are pictured right with their trophy, the coveted Oar.
In 2002, the winning team was one composed of members from 3 different clubs, including our very own Andrew Nagle.
Unfortunately, the closure of the Rotaract Club of Ascot in early March 2002, right after their final Canoe Regatta, spelt the end of this event. The Rotaract Club of South Perth had considered continuing this event in 2003, but there just haven't been enough Rotaractors since to make it viable.
The 2001 Canoe Regatta in Action
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Watch one of the early races in the regatta. [894kb] |
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The balloon race - see a nasty person on the Thornlie team push Amber & Ben's boat back into the middle of the river!! Despite the attempted sabotage, Amber & Ben still were the first two back to shore (again!) and their team won the race. What Champions!! [520kb] |
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In 2001 and 2002, competitors started the races at a starting line on the shore, requiring them to run to a canoe and jump in, instead of starting in the canoe with their team mates pushing them off as in previous years. View the start of the final race. [152kB] |
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Watch Amber & Ben complete the obstacle course in the final race. Traditionally the last race of the regatta, this race involves rowing to and from the island, completing a very small obstacle course, then eating a rather unpleasant concoction of green goo! [920 kb] |
Last updated on Monday 30th of June 2008 by Ian Ball © copyright 2000 - 2010 Rotaract Club of South Perth
Rotaract is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious international professional development and volunteer service organisation of students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30. The Rotaract Club of South Perth, District 9470, Western Australia, is sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Perth-Burswood. ~~ May Peace Prevail on Earth! ~~
