The Sydney University U23 Men’s Eight crew was given a rousing farewell from more than 150 parents and supporters before the commencement of their Canadian tour later this month.

The “Canada Day” lunch, held at the picturesque Scots College boat-shed last Saturday, was staged to raise much-needed funding for the crew on their four-week tour.

The crew of ten Sydney University Boat Club (SUBC) athletes and Coach Rick van Hooydonk will compete at this year’s Ontario Rowing Championships (27-29 July) and then at Canadian Henley at St Catherines from 5-12 August 2012.

Initiated in 1880, Canadian Henley Regatta is one of the major regattas of the North American rowing season.

The athletes taking part in the strong Men’s Eight consist of – Thomas Sacre, Hamish Playfair, Jack Hargreaves, Peter Koster, Nicholas Wheatley, Tom McClintock, Jon Rundle, Kit Cunningham-Reid and cox Will Raven with Ryan Barraclough competing as a sculler and acting as reserve.

SUBC Vice-President Chris Noel says “We are sending this team away to an iconic rowing event – we see this as an important development trip and one which we believe will expand our rowers' horizons.”

SUBC President Tom McCann sincerely thanked the parents and supporters who attended the event.

“I would firstly like to thank Scots for allowing us to use their beautiful boatshed for our fundraiser,” McCann said. “I would also like to say a big thanks to the SUBC parents led by Rebecca Wilson, Julie Playfair and Jo Wheatley for their hard work in putting the event together.”

Guest speaker John Boultbee AM, who has previously held positions as the Secretary-General of FISA and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Director, acknowledged the efforts of crew members and emphasised the importance of competing at overseas regattas such as Canadian Henley. The Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Graham Annesley MP, also attended the fundraising event.

If you missed the lunch but would like to assist the crew , donations can still be made through Sydney Uni Boat Club. Contact Michaela Waldbauer: boat@tnw.com.au or call 9559 1300 and ask for Micha.