King Edward rowers set to compete internationally

King Edwards VII School rowers were selected to row for South Africa.

The rowing team will tour the United Kingdom at the end of April under the banner of the South African Schools Rowing Union.

Damien Koen of Weltevreden Park said that he joined the rowing team in March last year and started participating in April this year. He is also the captain of the U16 team.

“I am most proud of our gold medal eighth boat. There are nine of us in the boat. We spend most of our time on the boat when we train and compete and we won medals in the same boat. I also really enjoy the friendship that has grown among us as teammates. It has grown into a brotherhood,” said Koen.

He added that the team’s parents have been very supportive. “They are always there to take us to games and encourage us.”

Damien believes it is a difficult task to repay everything that their parents have done for them.

King Edwards VII School coach and teacher, Trevor Dedlow said he has been a coach for the school for the past eight years. The team practises six days a week during the rowing season that is four months long.

“This particular group is a fantastic team that I am proud of for a number of reasons. They have restored my faith in the younger generation and have shown a tremendous amount of work ethic. Not only have they achieved in rowing, but also academically. They have won a number of accolades and awards,” explained Dedlow.

In the beginning of March this year, the rowers entered the five-boat class at the South African School Championships and won four gold medals. They also broke four South African schools records in the U16 single, pair, four and quad rowing.

The team will raise funds for the tour to the UK through a raffle. People can win a holiday of their choice to the value of R60 000. Dedlow urged the public to help raise funds for the rowers through participating in fundraisers or contributing towards this cause.

Details: Fundraiser Lionel Koen, 082 333 0213.