Teamwork gets boats to Africa Youth Games

The inaugural Africa Youth Games recently took place in Morocco and rowing featured as one of the 17 sports involved.

Held 70km outside of Rabat, Morocco’s second largest city, rowers from six countries – Algeria, Tunisia, Togo, Egypt, Sudan and Morocco – competed on the Lake Dayet sprint course.

A collaborative effort meant that Morocco was able to supply all of the boats for competitors with Italian boat builder, Filippi coming to the party. “FISA had already donated boats and ergs to Morocco,” said FISA’s development manager, Sheila Stephens Desbans. “We sent out an appeal to boat builders and both Swift and Wintec voiced their support but were already committed for the season. Filippi was able to donate four training skiffs. They have always been supportive of development activities.”

Desbans noted the support to get the boats to Morocco was a show of true collaboration. “Wintec helped transport the boats to Spain, then a Spanish rowing club, Club Nautico Seville, transported them south.” Martinoli sent spare parts. “It was a real joint effort,” added Desbans.

Racing was in singles over a 500m distance and Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria dominated the medal winning spots.

Established by ANOCA, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and targeting 15 to 17 year old African athletes the Africa Youth Games came about as a motive to build on the concept of the Youth Olympic Games which will be held for the first time Singapore this August.

“We were impressed with the event taking place after the short lead up time but it was a team effort between many different persons and organisations – as always a good metaphor for rowing,” said Desbans. “We are grateful to the Moroccans and to ANOCA for including rowing on the programme.”

Now Morocco is preparing for the third annual Nautical Festival. To be held in Rabat from 29 July to 4 August, the festival will include a rowing regatta which is reserved for clubs in Morocco and close neighbouring countries. Three foreign teams are already confirmed.

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