Special day for visiting rowers
International rowing teams were officially welcomed on to Hamilton ground with a powhiri ahead of the Gallagher Great Race.
The ceremony saw teams from Harvard, Cambridge, Melbourne and Sydney universities invited on to the University of Waikato marae, where they joined Waikato’s men’s and women’s teams.
Addressing the crowd, Vice Chancellor Neil Quigley said the annual race was a great opportunity for the city.
‘‘It’s an event that showcases the great things that Hamilton has to offer – the competitive spirit, the athleticism, and the courage of our athletes and, of course, our beautiful river.’’
Waikato women’s captain Christie Davis, 20, was returning to the highly anticipated race for a third time and said it was a great chance to show the world how hard the teams train.
Rowing is a big commitment – the women’s team trains three times a day every day, she said.
‘‘People turn up and get to support us and it’s great to have the publicity and people on the banks.
‘‘That, I think, is the most important thing.’’
Harvard captain James O’Connor, originally from Christchurch, said there is unfinished business between his team and Waikato after a clash of oars at last year’s race saw one rower propelled into the water.
‘‘Last year it was a lot of fun, a lot of clashing, a lot of things went good and bad and unfortunately, things didn’t quite work out and we felt we only got half a race before the outcome was decided,’’
O’Connor said it was special to be able to bring his American friends to New Zealand.
‘‘This is much more Maori culture than I am used to experiencing, as well, so it’s special for me to be able to get a proper glimpse into true New Zealand, even as a Kiwi.’’
The Gallagher Great Race is held in the Waikato River and runs this weekend.
The secondary school competition is on Saturday and the international race between Harvard (United States), Cambridge (United Kingdom), Waikato, Sydney and Melbourne universities is on Sunday.