Vanuatu Rowing - After Cyclone Pam
Tropical Cyclone Pam, the most powerful and destructive cyclone ever experienced in the southern hemisphere, devastated Vanuatu on the 13th March causing major damage to the capital Port Vila and to many of the archipelego's islands.
Thankfully, and thanks to some good preparation, the most valuable of Port Vila Rowing Club's boats got through unscathed. Unfortunately though, the shed was flooded by the storm surge and heavy rain, and there is significant damage to our power supply (generator and solar panel) ergometers and gym equipment, coach boat engines, and the rowing shed itself. Many of our members lost their roofs or entire houses and are in the process of rebuilding, while managing funds for food and water as the tourist industry wanes.
Like the rest of the country, Port Vila Rowing Club is working hard to get back on its feet, and we have several objectives on the horizon.
The first is the hosting of an international regatta, here in Port Vila. We hope to attract 85 rowers and even more spectators to come and stay here. As well as helping to maintain the important and damaged tourism industry, this regatta will act as our primary fundraiser for our school program and national team projects. It also provides our hard training, passionate local members with what is there only real opportunity to represent their club in competition. For us to run this competition as an effective fundraiser, we need to outlay some money. As a result of the cyclone, our primary sponsors are in a much weaker position to offer us assitance than they hoped. We need funds quickly so that we can replace our broken equipment and host a successful regatta.
Our interschool program is fast developing, with over 90 young rowers from 11 different schools participating and training in preparation for what will be our first ever domestic regatta season. This is extremely exciting, but also difficult and costly to manage. Given the economical circumstances of most of our members, we provide membership for students for free, and do not charge schools for their participation. Most of our coaches are generous volunteers from within the club's senior training squads, and the fuel, boat maintenance and an additional full time coach are all paid for from the funds we raise.
Lastly, we have three young athletes training very hard, morning and night, in an attempt to qualify for next years Olympic Games in Rio. The size of the task ahead of them is enormous; it is a brave ambition, and one that could excite and inspire our nation.
Our rowers are safe and back to training, and many have been volunteering for the Red Cross helping to distribute food, water and shelter to those in need.
We endeavour to provide a space which encourages health, persistence, the strength and independence of young women, and self-belief, and request your assistance to help us to continue to strive towards these goals through the setback of the cyclone. We are excited about what the future holds for our young members, but we can't do it on our own!
