The rowers, crews and clubs that keep alive one of Malta’s most distinctive sporting traditions were protagonists in a special evening in the Grand Harbour, two days before the traditional Victory Day Regatta.
During the evening, the eight participating clubs were presented along with the crews that will compete in this year’s edition. The initiative was intended to give greater prominence and recognition to the rowers, the clubs and all those who train, work and make the necessary sacrifices throughout the year to keep this tradition alive.
Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri chaired the evening and stressed that the Regatta is much more than a sporting competition. It is a tradition linked to Maltese history and identity, but at the same time a competitive sport that requires training, physical fitness, coordination, teamwork and continuous commitment from rowers and clubs.
“The Regatta is a tradition woven into our identity, but behind it are above all the people who bring it to life. There are the rowers who spend months training, the coaches, the managers, the volunteers and the families who give their time and energy so that this tradition remains strong. Tonight we are giving prominence to them and recognising the commitment, dedication and sacrifices they make throughout the year. We must continue to raise the profile of the Regatta, strengthen it as a sport and give it the necessary support so that it continues to attract interest and new generations of rowers, without losing its unique character,” said Minister Camilleri.
During the evening, the crews of Birżebbuġa, Bormla, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett, Senglea, Siġġiewi and Vittoriosa were presented. The clubs will compete on the traditional Regatta vessels, including kayaks, speedboats, frigates and medal boats.
The evening is one of the initiatives being taken to further increase the visibility of the Regatta, its history and its significance as a sporting and national event. The Regatta is held twice a year, on Freedom Day and Victory Day, and has a particular place in the national calendar.
This work builds on other initiatives announced in recent days as part of the commitment to strengthen the Regatta, which was also one of the commitments of the Electoral Manifesto and which began to translate into concrete action in the first 100 days of this legislature. Among the announced initiatives is that each of the eight clubs will be given a new Regatta boat, along with other measures to provide more support to the clubs and rowers and continue to strengthen the organization of the competition.
Minister Camilleri said that this support also recognises the reality of the clubs and the costs and sacrifices associated with maintaining the works and participating in this sport. He stressed that the aim is to provide the clubs with the necessary assistance to continue to grow the Regatta while maintaining its distinctive character.
The Chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee, Kevin Borg, explained that for the September edition, changes have also been made to the sequence of races, after this measure was announced at the launch of the Regatta. Among the changes, the women’s race will be held penultimate, with a sequence designed so that the three shields are decided during the last three races of the programme.
“The change in the sequence of the races was made after considering various technical and operational aspects. We wanted the three shields to be decided in the last three races, so that the highlight of the competition and the final celebration are brought together. At the same time, the new sequence gives more space between races for the weigh-in process, which is an important part of the competition and requires the necessary time to be done properly. We are also facilitating the change of crews, particularly for those rowers who take part in more than one race. These changes are intended to have a more efficient program from both a technical and organizational point of view,” said Mr Borg.
At the same time, this year the means of visual and technological surveillance during the races are being strengthened, with the aim of reducing as much as possible the doubts and uncertainties regarding the results in a competition where races are often decided by small differences.
Minister Camilleri wished all the rowers the best of luck for the races and appealed for the passion and sporting rivalry that distinguish the Regatta to always remain based on respect and sportsmanship. He stressed that whether in victory or defeat, respect between rowers and clubs must always remain at the forefront.
The Victory Day Regatta will take place on September 8th in the Grand Harbour, as part of the official program of the national Victory Day celebrations.
Photos: DOI/MES
