Gaborone Dam gets thumbs up to host Africa Youth Games
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday May 7, 2014 10:30
Previously, there were strong indications that the competition might be moved elsewhere due to the low water levels at the dam. However, Botswana Rowing and Canoeing team coach, Rob Mclaggan told Mmegi Sport that the dam will host the two events. He said the water level had been a concern before significant inflows in March improved the situation. Mclaggan said there is sufficient water to host the games though a venue shift had been muted before. Thirteen countries will compete in rowing and 18 will take part in canoeing at the Africa Youth Games. Mclaggan said that contrary to what many think, there is a big difference between rowing and canoeing. “Paddles are used in canoeing. Oars are used in rowing. Paddles propel boats in the same direction as the paddler is facing. Oars propel boats in the opposite direction from the way the rower is seated,” he said.
The Botswana team comprises of Refilwe Sima (female) and Orefile Healy and Arturo Alvarez in the male section. Mclaggan said the players would compete in two events each. He said Healy and Sima started training in January while Alvarez kicked off preparations in October. He said that the International Rowing Federation donated the two boats that they use for training. The other boat belongs to Mclaggan. The team went for training camps in Witbank in February and Pretoria over the Easter holidays. Mclaggan said emphasis is on paddlers getting used to rowing inside the lanes that will be used during the competition. He said there will be two events, the relay and individual competition for both boys and girls. The paddlers will be competing over 500m. Mclaggan said the intention is for the team to compete in school competitions in South Africa and Zimbabwe after the Youth Games. He pointed out that rowing and canoeing have a lot of following in other countries.
About AYG Rowing and Canoeing
Coach: Rob Mclaggan
Team manager: Electra Vye
Athletes: Rifilwe Sima, Orefile Healy and Artuo Alvarez
Venue: Gaborone Dam
Fan capacity: Approximately 1, 000
What is canoeing? Canoeing is a paddle sport in which you kneel or sit facing forward in an open or closed- decked canoe and propel yourself with a single- bladed paddle under your own power.
What is rowing/ Rowing, often referred to as crew in the United States, is a sport based on propelling a boat (racing shell) on water using oars. By pushing against the water with an oar, a force is generated to move the boat. (WIKIPEDIA)