Calling all Octogenarian masters rowers

The growth, however, has not been quite enough for Otto Schaefer’s liking. Schaefer, 84, from Germany wants to call on all rowers born in 1941 or earlier to come together and race in cross-nation boats at this year’s World Rowing Masters Regatta (WRMR) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“We have recognised that it is difficult or even impossible to draw up crews for fours and eights at that age because of the limited number of applicants,” says Schaefer who believes more J (80 years or more) and K (85 years or more) rowers will come to the World Rowing Masters Regatta if there was an invitation for international composite crews.

“WRMR has given me so much satisfaction and has become an  important part of my life as a pensioner,” says Schaefer who has attended 11 World Rowing Masters Regattas. “This is the reason why I feel obliged to give something back to the organisation.”

Schaefer says at last year’s WRMR in Hazewinkel there was a total of 28 participants in the 80 and more age group. Most of them rowed in singles or doubles and Schaefer sees the potential to get these rowers into bigger boats as well as attract other Octogenarians to come to the regatta.

As this effort needs to be coordinated for the recruitment of international composite crews, Hans Wurster of Colorado Rowing Club and Art Wright of Ancient Mariners Rowing Club, United States will act as coordinators. Wurster and Wright will be helped by partners in other parts of the world including Schaefer helping for the European region.

Contacts:
Hans Wurster: wursters@comcast.net
Art Wright: artwright@aol.com
Otto Schaefer: huosch@freenet.de

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