The Sri Lanka Rowing Association, with the support of World Rowing and Olympic Solidarity, held its first-ever Beach Sprint Regatta on 31st October 2024. The event, held at Port City, Colombo, was part of the third phase of a Development of National Sports Systems (DNSS) project focussed on the new Olympic Beach Sprint discipline.
Events were offered for men’s and women’s solo (1x) and mixed doubles (2x) in both open and U19 categories. Entries were received from 44 crews representing local schools/institutions, clubs, and the Army, Navy and Air Force teams.
The coaches who participated in the DNSS project also took up the role of race officials, together with local volunteers, in order to ensure that the competition proceeded smoothly and on time. Support was also provided from the Sri Lanka Navy – whose diving and rescue teams helped with course laying and safety cover. In the days leading up to the event, crews had the opportunity to book practice sessions using the allocated boats in order to prepare their athletes and boat handlers for racing.
Effort was also made to ensure that the event was environmentally friendly with beach cleaning prior to the competition, use of sand for course anchors, and buoys moulded from up-cycled plastic waste.
The competition proved to be a great success with some close competition and exciting finishes. All of those taking part expressed enthusiasm for the race format and looked forward to taking part in future events. Sri Lanka has many beautiful beaches and a thriving water sports culture so there is certainly great potential for further development and the possibility to host future regional and international events.
At the conclusion of the event, 11 local coaches who participated throughout the DNSS project, received the World Rowing Level 1 Development Coach certification from Lead Development Expert – Chris Perry.
Thanks must go again to the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka for supporting this project throughout, to the Federation for all of the organizational/logistical support, and to the Sri Lanka Navy for the safety and diving teams. Thanks also to Guest of Honour, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera – Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy – for presenting competitor certificates after the races.
Planning is now underway for the further development of Coastal Rowing in Sri Lanka.
