Macau Introduces Rowing

Nam Van Lake Macau, China

A test event has been held at the new Nam Van Lake Regatta Course in Macau, China in preparation for the 4th Macau East Asian Games which will take place from 29 October to 6 November this year.

The test regatta was part of the opening celebrations for this exciting new water sports facility which will host the rowing and dragon boating events of the Asian Games.  Invited crews from Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau raced over the 500 metre course and the first final of the day was fittingly won by a Macau sculler.

This event marked the first known rowing race to take place in Macau, although dragon boating has a long and important history in the city.  Officials for the event were drawn from the Macau Rowing Federation, following training and examinations conducted with the support of FISA over the past year. These officials will support the international jury at the Games regatta. 

The new fully equipped 6-lane course is situated in the centre of Macau and offers great opportunities for future local, regional and international sprint regattas. With the city’s current fast pace of development it will undoubtedly prove to be a popular venue for rowing and dragon boat competitions in the coming years.

FISA has worked closely with the Macau sports authorities and the East Asian Games Organising Committee to ensure that the rowing events at the Games are held successfully.  This cooperation will continue after the Games to further develop the standards of rowing in Macau and to make full use of the new facilities provided.

Copy thanks to Mike Tanner