Two members of the South African Olympic gold medal-winning rowing team are in Grahamstown today as part of a search for rowing talent in the province.
Two members of the South African Olympic gold medal-winning rowing team are in Grahamstown today as part of a search for rowing talent in the province.
Sizwe Ndlovu and former St Andrew's pupil James Thompson, who were in the SA lightweight men's four who won gold at the London Olympics in August, took part in a special assembly at St Andrew's College this morning before heading off to Centenary Hall, where Thompson was due to name the new St Andrew's boat.
An indoor rowing exhibition, open to all juniors, was underway at the Rhodes University Alec Mullins Hall from 9am to 11am, with seniors due to have their turn from 3pm to 5pm. All those rowing more than 500 metres would earn themselves a signed poster from the two Olympians, said Donovan Cech, East Cape Rowing Association president and St Andrew's College rowing coach.
The Olympic pair were in Port Elizabeth over the weekend and are due in Port Alfred tomorrow.
Cech said their visit was to promote the sport of rowing in town. Thy will form part of the East Cape Rowing Association's development programme, for which they have received funding for from Lotto.
Cech said indoor rowing was the introductory level for pupils new to the sport. He said East Cape Rowing planned to form a rowing club in Grahamstown for pupils from government schools and those who live here.
“I don't think many kids will get to meet an Olympic gold medallist in their lifetime,” Cech said.
For more information about the rowing exhibition call Don at 074 718 7876.
