African Rowing Advances

By Melissa Bray

Zambia masters rowers Ben Mumba and Whiteson Silondwa

Think of Zambia and rather than picturing calm, flat water rowing, the power of the Zambezi River and the grandeur of the Victoria Falls are likely to spring to mind.

Think of Sudan and rowing seems to be a long way from the images of Darfur. But, for both of these African nations, picture crews rowing on flat water. Assisted by FISA’s development programme and with the help of South Africa, it is now a greater possibility to be able to spot rowing.

Boathouse and container with new boats at Kitwe

Zambia recently received a container of boats, oars and tools and South African coach Kevin Garcia travelled there to teach the local enthusiasts about rowing, rigging and developing the sport.

Garcia focused on the city of Kitwe where the Rokana Sailing and Boating Club is located on the hippo-free Mindola Dam. The region is known for its copper mining and the Mindola Dam itself is owned by the Mopani copper mine. Most of the rowing interest in this region stems from mining employees, many of whom, says Garcia, are the engineers and accountants.

“We have targeted young professionals, like those presently involved in rowing,” says Garcia. “They’re the colleagues that also work for the mines so many of them are masters-age rowers.”

“We have also identified five high schools. There’s not a lot of school sports so rowing is quite a novelty.”

Garcia sees the biggest challenge to keep rowing moving in Zambia stems from the sport’s isolation, but he believes that if the different African projects can develop together then the rowers will have a sense that they are part of something larger, “rather than something new and unknown.” Garcia advocates athletes having the opportunity to train with other rowers in other nearby nations.

The lack of expertise is also an issue, with the Zambian’s involved often worried about the adequacy of their own knowledge. For those currently involved it is a hobby, outside of their main jobs, rather than a main focus in their lives.

The first regatta is planned for August in Kitwe followed by the main target of the season – the Victoria Falls Regatta at the end of September.

Learning to row on the Blue Nile, Khartoum

Stimulated by a development training camp in South Africa, the Sudanese Rowing & Canoe Federation has seen a steady rise in interest. Based in the capital city of Khartoum, there are presently four clubs in the Khartoum region.

Sudan rowing team

Kamal Omer of the Sudanese federation comments that the location was chosen for the flat water of the Blue Nile. Already the federation has organised three local regattas.

Aiming high, Omer is confident that rowing will be able to grow throughout Sudan and also start to prepare athletes to aim for the Olympic Games.

For more photos of Zambia and Sudan go to the photo gallery

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