Five major regattas ear-marked for rowers this year

Rowing: Oarsmen and Oarswomen are in luck's way. Two rowers have been invited to train in Beijing, China - Venue for 2008. Olympics from April this year by the International Governing Body for rowing (FISA). The Lankan rowers will also be involved in five major rowing championships for the year 2008, two foreign regattas in Singapore and India - (Chennai) and three championships here.

Deva Henry, the President of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) said that in addition to training in Beijing and five major international championship meets, Sri Lanka will also concentrate on domestic events.

FISA has offered the opportunity for two rowers (male/female) to train in Beijing due to the recognition received by ARASL. 'Our aim is to row at the Manchester. London, Olympic Games to be held in 2012. The two rowers will train in Beijing and FISA will arrange further training programs alternatively in different countries." said Henry.

The two rowers have been selected and have to be approved by the Sports Ministry. Lakmal Wickremage, National coach will accompany the two rowers.

The championships at which our rowers will participate are Asian Junior Rowing Championships in Singapore in June, the Prestigious Colombo-Madras Regatta in Chennai in July, AREA Regatta in Colombo in August, Invitation Regatta in Colombo (date not finalised) and Asian Senior Regatta in Colombo in December.