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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

HCT Annual Rowing race


Last Thursday was the annual HCT rowing race here on the Ras Al Khaimah Khor (This is like a small bay where the water comes in from the sea).  There were 6 teams from different Higher Colleges of Technology; they were Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Madinat Zayed, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. The students were competing for the trophy and the honour of being the best HCT rowing team in the country.  

Rowing is not normally seen as a common sport  in the middle east because as you can imagine,  it's better known for it's sandy deserts and lack of water. 

Fortunately there is a wonderful coastline in the UAE which is on the Arabian Sea.  The course ran for around 2 kms and the race took about 15 mins to complete. Some of the teams came from inland areas where there is no opportunity at all to practice locally or regularly but they all got into the spirit of the race and gave it their very best.

As I was one of the photographers I was fortunate enough to be out in the starter boat and to see the race up close. I'm pleased to say that Ras Al Khaimah came out the winners for the 3rd year in a row.  They fielded an excellent team and although it was a very close race, with the Sharjah team trying to paddle their way into the history books, they were beaten at the post by a stronger team on the day. 
The day was rounded off with a BBQ at the finish line and many new friends were made and old friendships were renewed.




1 comment:

Darius said...

Some great pics mum!