Learning by Rowing
Katrina Kinsella
Sharjah Higher Colleges Staff, ready to row
Students vs Staff Traditional Rowing Race
Kat Kinsella
In celebration of this year’s National Day, SMC students challenged teachers to a rowing race along Khor Ajman, in the Mushairef area. Organiser, Daniel Zeytoun Millie from Foundations, press-ganged a hearty group of teachers and all competitors took to a tight training schedule.
All good friends really – students and staff in less competitive mood
The weekly training saw teams learn to prepare the boats and row in time with each other, which sounds much easier than it is. The type of boat used was a traditional teak ‘hoorie’ or ‘mahmel’. Modern boats and oars are made from fibre-glass and have moveable, cushioned seats. However, traditional boats are much heavier and made from teak. The teak oars need to be tied on tightly and the seats don’t give an inch. For newcomers to the sport, a lot was learned and many blisters were gained in a short space of time. Team captains Sultan Al Khaabi from SMC , Kat Kinsella from SWC and Iain Dodson from CERT kept teams in pace and spirits high.
Would wisdom beat youth on the waters of Ajman? Or would the tide turn and the staff be left high and dry?
The race was overseen by SHCT’s Dr. Yahya and race committee president Abuie Ali. For just under 1 km on seawater, the teams battled it out. The students took the lead and raced ahead, winning comfortably.
The trophy, the winners and the hosts – Mushairef elders and one junior) with the SMC students’ team
A great evening was had by all, and the teams were honoured to meet the elders of Mushairef families who hosted the presentation ceremony in their jahlisa on the beach.
The teachers, now known as the Sharjah Scullers, have vowed to meet and beat next year’s challenge.
SMC Winners: Sultan Al Khaabi, Shahab Mohamed, Omran Mohamed, Saif Humaid, Mohamed Humaid, Mohamed Said, Khlaed Khalil, Ahmed Rashed, Saif Al Hamadi
Sharjah Scullers: Daniel Zeytoun Millie (FNDs), Iain Dodson (CERT), Kat Kinsella (FNDS), Issam Hamdan (IT), Alyson Menzies (Maths), Krystal O’Sullivan (Gen.Ed.), Ali Siddqui (SC), Ciaran Doyle (SC), Basel Badran (Ed), Mohammed Qalawee (Eng), Dr. John Raven (IT).
