On a sensational May evening and after a competition strong season, Newington’s amazing Rowing community came together at Centenary Hall, on Saturday, May 5, for our annual End of Season Awards dinner. A night where we celebrate the boys’ incredible achievements of the 2017/18 season – giving recognition to their sheer determination with grueling early mornings at the boatshed, grinding through strength sessions at the MMRC, the focus on perfecting each stroke and turn at the catch – all the time having the next erg test gnawing away in the back of their minds. Make no mistake; rowing is a beautiful sport.

Led by our immensely focused Director of Rowing, Mr Richard Roach and MC’d by Newington College Rowing Association’s President – the unstoppable Marty Nicholas (ON 1987), the night saw no less than 42 boys receive awards for excellence in rowing.  Taking control of presentations on the night were some of our Year 12 rowers – Captain of Boats, Richmond Sear (12/MA), along with Alexander Potter (12/ME), Josh Bowd (12/LE), Luca Roncolato (12/LE), Adam Martin (12/JN) and Riley Vaughan (12/MO) – who kept the laughs flowing and reminded us all, that rowing at its core, is a load of fun.

Through the incredible generosity of our Rowing community and Old Newingtonian’s, the Awards Dinner opened with the official christening of 7 new boats – 2 VIII’s, 1 Quad and 4 single sculls. Newington Rowing is proud to name boats after our Old Newingtonian Rowers and those that competed at Olympic level. We are truly thankful for their ongoing support and guidance throughout the season.

The awards night has also grown to become Rowing’s major fundraising event for the year.  We are incredibly grateful to the rowing community who donated to our silent auction. We know that those who went all out and bid big are taking home some fabulous events, experiences and items and it is through the ongoing fundraising support of our parents and friends that Newington Rowing continues to thrive.

And finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped in all the big and small ways to bring together the End of Season Awards Dinner and make it a truly successful night.

Tara Rennie 
VP – Major Events & Fundraising 
Newington College Rowing Association