Articles

World Rowing Oceania Youth Athletes Development Training Camp in Sydney

The inaugural World Rowing Oceania Youth Athlete Development Training Camp was a significant event held in Sydney, organised by World Rowing and Olympic Solidarity, with endorsement from Rowing Australia and Oceania Rowing Confederation (ORCON); and the on the ground support of equipment, safety, and regatta organisation from Rowing New South Wales. This significant initiative was planned, managed and delivered by the World Rowing Development Team for Oceania, Inas Hussein and Laryssa Biesenthal OLY, Development Manager for Asia and Oceania; and Development Technical Expert for Oceania, respectively.

The camp brought together six Oceania countries: American Samoa, Fiji, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Tonga, Vanuatu, and host nation Australia. A total of 28 youth athletes and 10 coaches participated in this development training programme.

Preparation for the camp began at the start of 2024, with a testing programme on ergometers and running (as some countries new to rowing do not have access to ergs).  The goal was to introduce and assist in the preparation of their youth for the 2026 Youth Olympics, which will be in the Beach Sprint Rowing discipline. The Training Camp was aimed at youth athletes from Oceania Rowing Federations who were identified through a process targeting those born 2008/2009/2010 who have joined a talent identification process in their respective country.  Following the trials, each Oceania Rowing Federation was able to identify 2 youth female athletes and 2 youth male athletes who were invited to join the Youth Athlete Development Training Camp organised by World Rowing from 28 September till 06 October 2024 in Sydney, Australia. 

The camp provided a unique opportunity for athletes and coaches from Oceania to learn rowing on water for the first time in a safe and supportive environment. The World Rowing “Learn to Row” OVEP programme and the Athletes’ Outreach and Education Scheme were integral parts of the camp. These programmes offered valuable information on safeguarding from harassment and abuse, athletes’ rights and responsibilities, group dynamics, personality differences and building a positive team culture, prevention of competition manipulation, and anti-doping education.

The training sessions planned by the World Rowing Development Team wanted to ensure a comprehensive learning experience both for the athletes and the coaches in a fun, and safe environment. On-water training of skills began in a controlled environment at Narrabeen Lake, Sydney Academy of Sports, where the athletes and the coaches were also housed. Located on the northern beaches, Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation is surrounded by natural bushland with magnificent views of Narrabeen Lake and world-class sports training grounds and facilities. It provided a safe and welcoming environment to the camp participants with its secured waterfront, athletic field of play as well as a meeting room within walking distance for the camp activities.

The camp started with a swim test for all participating athletes and a briefing on safety and the camp code of conduct. The ability to swim and stay afloat is essential for water sports and everyone taking part in any development programme offered by World Rowing should be able to swim 50m and keep their head above water unassisted for three minutes.

Training on water for the first time, the athletes and the coaches were using Wave Cutter boats and oars donated by Kieran Kolbeke from Goodformrowing.com, Rowing New South Wales and Oarboards, which are ideal for beginners to get on the water for the first time.

A running session by Michael Kember, Manly SLS Running Coach, and a surfing/sea orientation session by renown surfer Amee Donohoe owner and coach of the Central Coast Surf Academy/ Surfing Australia were delivered during the camp.  In addition, rowing techniques demonstration were delivered by Australian Olympian’s Spencer Turrin OAM, Georgie Rowe, and Vanuatu National Team beach sprint rower, Ben Pechan.

For the coaches and federations participating, an ergometer maintenance, and indoor race set up session was conducted by Kevin Scott, PYF Rowing Federation Director and participant coach. The goal of this session was to ensure the coaches were well-versed in equipment care, to be able to refurbish the equipment they currently have, and to learn about the opportunities of online virtual erg racing. Ashely Fitch also attended the session offering his advice on ergometer maintance from a developed country point of view.

A cultural night marked the end of the camp, featuring a bonfire and s’mores, which fostered camaraderie among the young athletes, aged 14-16. This event was a highlight, allowing the athletes to bond and share their experiences in a relaxed setting. The Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence were prominently showcased throughout the camp, creating a positive and inclusive environment, and encouraging personal growth of a young group of athletes just emerging and starting their high-performance athletic career with the YOG 2026 as the destination. There is also a dream in the region to have beach sprint rowing featuring at the Pacific Games so they can have the chance to compete and grow the sport of beach sprint rowing regionally.

“It was an amazing experience…the training sessions and the atmosphere were fantastic, and I learned so much”, Iris Fisher, Fiji Athlete

“Thank you all so much!! It’s been such a blessing for our youth!!, Paula Stevenson-Mcdonald, American Samoa Coach

“Congratulations to the Oceania teams and their respective coaches for that first participation at an international camp event…Our team came back home very happy and they are looking forward for future opportunities and events”. Lydie Petersen-Visser, VAN Rowing Association President