The new administration responsible for the management of the National Regatta want to intensify their efforts to revive the rowing competitions held twice yearly at the Grand Harbour and considered by many historians as the oldest sport practised in Malta.
The Għaqda Regatta Nazzjonali u Qdif Ieħor, which is affiliated to the Maltese Olympic Committee and the Malta Sports Council, recently appointed a new man in charge as Joseph Grima now occupies the president’s seat and Graham Attard is the vice-president.
Former federation president, Nazzareno Mifsud, remains in the fold as senior vice-president.
Addressing delegates from the seven member clubs – Birżebbuġa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett, Senglea and Vittoriosa – Grima said rowing badly needs a boost to return to the same levels of before when National Regatta races attracted thousands of spectators to vantage points surrounding the Grand Harbour basin.
“We have to give this sport the push it badly needs to accelerate progress and move forward,” Grima said.
“Together we can succeed in bringing the best elements of our races from all aspects not least competition, tradition and culture. We have to be open to changes and become more professional in our approach.”
Grima contended the sport requires new incentives to survive.
“There will be research studies to help us evaluate better what we have and identify the best way to make our sport more attractive, particularly to young athletes,” he said.
“Our federation cannot do all this alone though so we have to work closely with other entities that are willing to help us develop and make the National Regatta a favourite sport for our members and families alike.”
The new president also reserved words of praise for Mifsud and his contribution to the sport.
“We need experienced people like Nazzareno Mifsud to stay involved and help us achieve our goals,” Grima added.
The other members in the new administration are Anthony Caruana (secretary), Simon Micallef, Joe Galea, David Brydon and Alex Azzopardi.
The major event in the local rowing calendar is the Victory Day National Regatta. Similar races are held on March 31 and a series for youths takes place in July.
The Marsa rowing club lifted the Victory Day Shield last September, winning three of the five races including the important last one.