FISA Technical Team Visits Doha

One of a number of possible venues for the rowing competition at the 2006 Asian Games Regatta

FISA Umpires Commission member Mike Tanner and FISA Development Consultant for Asia, Chris Perry, have recently returned from Qatar in the Middle East. Their visit followed an earlier trip by FISA President Denis Oswald at which an agreement to provide technical assistance in developing the sport of rowing was signed.

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, has been awarded the right to host the 15^th Asian Games in 2006 but does not, as yet, have a rowing programme nor any rowing clubs. The Qatar Marine Sports Federation, together with the National Olympic Committee, are however keen to develop rowing in the Arabian Gulf where water sports are already extremely popular.

FISA attaches great importance to keeping rowing in the programme of all major regional games and championships and has worked hard in the Asian region to achieve this. The sport has been included in the Asian Games since 1982 and is also part of the East Asian Games, South Asian Games and South East Asian Games.

During their stay in Doha, the FISA delegates visited various locations where rowing competition and rowing training activities might be held. They also met with local sports officials to discuss the formation of a rowing programme in Qatar, the training of local instructors, and the training of officials and umpires required for hosting a major games. A report will be prepared for the National Olympic Committee detailing the next steps in purchasing equipment and setting up novice training programmes with participants expected to come from local schools, universities and the military.

Follow-up visits will be made to ensure that development proceeds smoothly and that practical advice and support is given. Mr. Sami Abu Shaikha, Secretary General of the Marine Sports Federation and Commodore of the Doha Sailing Association, was enthusiastic about the prospects for rowing development in the Middle East:

?I hope that we can establish a strong programme here in Qatar and even have a small number of athletes ready to compete in 2006. The Asian Games in Doha can be a good stimulus for other nations in the region to develop rowing too.?