20th February, 2016
Rowing programs at Girton Grammar School are set to improve following the donation of an elite racing boat by Carey Grammar School in Melbourne and the appointment of an ex-Olympian rowing coach.
The boat, a fiberglass racing 8 complete with carbon fibre oars, will enable young male and female rowers to be competitive in Rowing Victoria regattas.
Headmaster at Girton Grammar School, Mr Matthew Maruff, said the new racing 8 will boost the school’s rowing program.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Carey Grammar School.
“The timing of this donation is splendid because we have just announced the appointment of a new Head Rowing coach, Ms Sarah Heard, an ex-Olympian who rowed for Australia in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
“We are keen to build a strong reputation in this great team sport.
“The new racing 8, along with our new coach, will enable us to improve our Rowing program with high quality coaching and equipment,” Mr Maruff said.
The donation of the boat was facilitated by the Bendigo Rowing Club which has connections with both Carey and Girton Grammar Schools.
The racing 8 which is yet to be formally named will be stored at the Lake Weeroona pavilion and used by both Bendigo Rowing Club members and Girton Grammar students.
According to Bendigo Rowing Club president Peter Morrison, the new racing 8 will boost rowing in Bendigo.
“The racing 8 will enable Bendigo’s young male and female athletes to be more competitive in elite Rowing Victoria regattas.
“One day we hope to see a Girton Grammar crew represent Bendigo in a prestigious rowing event like the Head of the Yarra or the Victorian Schools Championships. That would be a great outcome,” he said.
The racing 8 will replace a classic antique wooden rowing boat which the Bendigo Rowing Club is keen to donate to a good home. For enquiries phone Peter Morrison on 0418 557 143.
New rowing coach Sarah Heard, stands up to instruct her crew, many on the water for the first time:
