Students aim for Medway Boat Race honours
Students are getting ready to renew their sporting rivalry as they prepare for the fourth annual Universities at Medway Boat Race which begins at 2pm on Saturday, May 15.
The race is now a firm fixture in Medway’s social and sporting calendar. Student rowers from the three universities which share the campus at Chatham Maritime; University of Greenwich, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, will battle it out for the right to call themselves Heads of the River in Medway.
Both women’s and men’s races will take place, with rowers once more tackling a course of approximately 2.6 kilometres, between Cuxton and the Esplanade in Rochester
Last year the University of Greenwich scooped double honours, by winning both the women’s and men’s races, so this year the other two universities are out for sweet revenge.
The event has been organised by Universities at Medway Students’ Association (UMSA), which represents all students at the shared Medway campus.
UMSA’s Activities Co-ordinator Claire Dicker said that the Medway Boat Race day had become a popular campus tradition: “It’s a fantastic day for everyone involved and the students who have lifted trophies in past years say it’s a moment they’ll always remember.
“The race has grown in stature down the years, we expect the competition between the three universities to be keener than ever. Students have been working throughout the winter months on their fitness and rowing techniques, in readiness for the race. They’re all desperate to win, as they know how special it is to go and collect the trophies in front of the spectators.”
Spectators can watch the races from the open area on The Esplanade in Rochester, near the Hathaway Court. There are refreshments available and many interactive activities for spectators to get involved with, including; sports massages, rowing coaching and a Wii sports tournament. The action starts at approximately 2pm on May 15 and all are welcome.
Student rowers have been trained by coaches at Medway Towns Rowing Club. The event is being sponsored by the Rochester Bridge Trust and Southern Water.
The trophies and medals have been created by renowned Medway artist Paula Groves, and will be presented by Russell Race, Junior Warden of the Rochester Bridge Trust and Howard Goodbourn, Finance Director of Southern Water.
For further information, please contact Claire Dicker on claire@umsa.org.uk or 01634 888993
Ends
For further information and photos please contact:
Nick Davison
Public Relations
University of Greenwich
020 8331 8092