FISA Visits the Two Niles in the Sudan

Mike Sweeney inspects the two Niles in the Sudan

Mike Sweeney, Chairman of the FISA Events Commission, was invited to visit Khartoum last week  to inspect possible sites for a new event – “The Two Niles International Regatta”. Sudan is one of the newest FISA Members (2002) and it is an imaginative concept to hold an international regatta in their capital city in order to promote and to stimulate interest in rowing.

Khartoum itself consists of three cities, built around the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. On the first morning of the visit Mike was able to see for himself why the two Niles are named after the colours – Blue and White. There is a remarkably clear line defining the point where the two great rivers meet and the colour difference is very apparent.

The Blue Nile, upstream from the Presidential Palace, offers 5km of straight water, approximately 350m wide and is an outstanding venue for developing the sport of rowing. At this time of the year there is very little current and the water is very flat. After the long, straight stretch the river continues on upstream for many more kilometres. At the present time there is virtually no use of the River Nile through Khartoum – no commercial traffic, no pleasure boats, minimal sailing – only the fishermen appear to make any regular use of the river. The River Nile is an amazing untapped resource.

Flat water – ideal for a rowing course

The format of the event will be to invite a number of University crews from around the world to come to Khartoum in early January 2004 and to take part in a Training Camp, culminating in the Two Nile International Regatta. The project has strong support from the Government of Sudan and Mike met a number of senior Ministers during the three day visit. The overall aim of the project is to create a major cultural and sporting festival in Khartoum. The event organisers and promoters are Rhine Nile International and the operation is being led by Dr Mohamed Elmannan in Khartoum.

The event will require the construction of a boathouse, the purchase of boats and oars and the involvement of both the Sudan Rowing Federation and the many Universities that are to be found in Khartoum. The intention is to promote the sport of rowing amongst the thousands of students in the city and to open up the River Nile for their athletic endeavours and for their enjoyment.