Rowing unites behind christchurch

A special collection will be made for Christchurch’s Union Rowing Club during the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 World Rowing Championships on 30 October.

Union Rowing Club’s clubhouse has been condemned for demolition after the recent earthquake that devastated the South Island city. Although the building was insured, it does not appear that it will be possible to rebuild on the same site as the ground liquefied during the earthquake. It will take considerable funding to get the club up and running again as a new site needs to be found.

2009 world bronze medallist Emma Feathery, who will represent New Zealand in the women's double sculls at Lake Karapiro, started her rowing career at Union Rowing Club.

“We know that everyone in the world of international rowing is aware of the devastation caused by the earthquake,” says CEO Tom Mayo. “The Organising Committee and Rowing NZ want to help. Competitors, officials and spectators will all give generously to help Union Rowing Club recover.”

Union Rowing Club Life Member James Sheehan, who is also a volunteer at the 2010 World Rowing Championships, expressed the club’s gratitude for the support.

“It’s been a very hard month,” says Sheehan. “This support is a huge surprise and we’re extremely grateful for it. It has put new heart into the club and its members. We will come back from this.”

The initiative is fully supported by Kiwi top rockers OPSHOP, who perform at the Opening Ceremony.

“It seems in times of trial, the best of our community rises to the surface and it’s initiatives like this that demonstrate just how alive and well that spirit is within the rowing establishment here in NZ and indeed internationally,” says OPSHOP lead singer Jason Kerrison. “A collection for the Christchurch Union Rowing Club to assist with getting back on the water after the earthquake will go a long way I'm sure both financially and emotionally. Back at St. Bedes, I spent couple of years with a crew at those facilities so it's reassuring to know that they're being supported after such a devastating event.”