Rowing growing

Growing interest from homegrown junior competitors has provided Dimboola Rowing &OXE RI¿FLDOV ZLWK FRQ¿GHQFH in the longevity of sport in the region.

Club president Ron Campbell said a highlight of a successful 131st Dimboola Regatta at the weekend was the number of Dimboola entries in the event.

“The regatta went off really well overall and we had 18 entries from Dimboola, which is saying something considering we didn’t have any from the club a couple of years ago,” he said.

“Our club captain Jenni Brand has been coaching pretty hard and building on the enthusiasm among of the kids. The regatta provided a showcase for our rising young talent.

“Dimboola rowers will compete in up to six regattas this season, which is a good sign moving forward.”

Mr Campbell said organisers had been blessed with ideal weather conditions at the weekend with entries coming from clubs across Victoria, including teams from Melbourne.

“We’re already planning for next year and we’re keen to encourage more spectators to come along and have a look,” he said.

³7KH UHJDWWD SURGXFHV ¿HUFH FRP petition rowing and it is the only opportunity in the Wimmera for people to see this level of rowing.

“This sport is highly competitive, highly physical and at this level it can be quite exciting to watch teams in action from the riverbank on one of the best sprint courses in the state.”

Mr Campbell said Rowing Victoria RI¿FLDOV ZHUH JORZLQJ LQ WKHLU SUDLVH for the event, which featured the Dimboola Regatta on Saturday and Head of the Wimmera on Sunday.

“We’re slowly rebuilding the club and the event and had between 80 and 90 people sit down for an evening meal on Saturday night,” he said.

“With secure water in the river and a growing interest in the sport the future looks bright. We’ve also had VWURQJ ¿QDQFLDO VXSSRUW IURP DX thorities to reconstruct our launching ramp and an anonymous donor is helping us to buy new boats.”

Action at the weekend included senior, junior male, female, mixed and masters categories.