The December camp finished today.

Captain Meg Hester reported from camp that it went splendidly! We have so many young athletes with a good attitude and I can see a good culture building within.  We heard a wonderful speech from our para rower Al Viney last night which captured some important messages about her experience as a para athlete and how we ought to carry ourselves as Mercantilians.  She made note that it is in the small things like washing boats, rowing with pride and respecting ourselves, each other and our equipment.  We followed this up with a group trivia and some great, focused sessions on the water today.  There are certainly a few tired bodies and some coaches who can’t remember what day it is they’ve been working so hard and long. 

The camp was very large this year and included a group of year 10 and 11 students who participated for a few days towards the end. 

Mike McKay reported that guests to the camp included Lyall McCarthy, RA Development head coach and Noel Donaldson VIS head coach, who went out with all coaches. Lyall and Noel were very complimentary to the work being done and were most enthusiastic about the camp and .... the vibe.  Lyall presented Mercs rowing suits our new members ... who had to head home. Drew Ginn, Australia’s most successful rowing Olympian is applying his experience to the Mercantilisns and will continue his work with the club after a health scare from .... doing too much exercise!!!  It has been a huge club effort and we are lucky to have the support of many other volunteers like Paul McGann, Brendan Scott, Nick Bartlett, Pete Sommerville , Tom Fisher as well as Megs support. Been a great day with terrific people involved. Alex Viney presented to the team. Mercs is lucky to have Alex Viney and Alex Vuillerman as its first para athletes.

Thanks to all involved and in particular team manager Jenny Fraumano.

Cannot complain about the conditions

Go Mercs!