FROM THE ROWING SUPPORT GROUP PRESIDENT

Welcome to the Brisbane Boys’ College Regatta for 2023.

On behalf of the Rowing Support Group, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the 2023 BBC Regatta. Today is the result of many hours of planning and hard work from our BBC rowing community and I would like to thank each volunteer for their efforts in making today a success. I would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to this year’s season – the GPS Association, Rowing Queensland and other GPS schools.

Rowing is a unique team sport. To succeed you need dedication, discipline, selflessness and a capacity for hard work. You also need a team of dedicated and enthusiastic supporters in your corner. Today we acknowledge the unsung heroes in every school’s boat shed – the Boatmen. Brisbane Boys’ College is incredibly lucky to have Stephen McAlpine. Steve not only maintains our fleet of boats with pristine care, but he is also the keeper of records, the custodian of traditions, creator of commemorative memorabilia and the sounding board for all ideas. He is the rock of our shed. We thank Steve and all school Boatmen for their contributions to GPS rowing. Our thanks also go to Matt Atkinson for helping to share their stories in today’s programme. Thank you for attending the BBC regatta. I hope we all enjoy good weather and fair racing and that each crew produces their best performance out on the water.

RAOUL POHIO ROWING SUPPORT GROUP PRESIDENT