International rowing crews take up Waikato challenge

Great Race Welcome: University of Waikato staff members Sandy Morrison (front left) and Tom Roa (front right) lead the visiting rowing crews from Cambridge, Melbourne and Sydney universities onto the University’s Te Kohinga Mārama Marae for the Gallagher Great Race official welcome.

The University of Waikato has laid down the challenge to the international rowing crews here for the Gallagher Great Race on Sunday September 11.

The men’s and women’s crews from Cambridge, Melbourne and Sydney universities were officially welcomed to the university and the region today with a pōwhiri held at the University of Waikato Te Kohinga Mārama Marae.

This year marks 10 years of the Great Race, and sees the University of Waikato men’s eight take on Cambridge and Melbourne universities for the Harry Mahon Trophy while the Waikato women’s eight will defend their title against Melbourne and Sydney universities for the Bryan Gould Cup.

On Sunday September 11, the men’s and women’s crews will race from Hamilton's Ann St and row 3.85km upstream to finish outside the Ferrybank function centre on Grantham Street.

The University of Waikato proudly supports the Great Race, which this year includes corporate and school races. Race day will also include activities with plenty of entertainment, food and drink stalls, street theatre, displays and competitions for the whole family.

Held annually, the Gallagher Great Race is an internationally recognised rowing event, attracting world-class rowing crews from England, Australia and the United States.

Gallagher Great Race

The University of Waikato has laid down the challenge to the international rowing crews for the Gallagher Great Race on Sunday September 11. The men's and women's crews from Cambridge, Melbourne and Sydney universities were officially welcomed to the university and the region with a pōwhiri held at the University of Waikato Te Kohinga Mārama Marae.
8th September 2011