SVG athletes complete training in El Salvador

A fourmember team from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Rowing Association returned to the country last week, better equipped after attending an International Rowing Federation (FISA) training camp in El Salvador. The team, consist of rowers: Shaquille Branker, Kevin Gibson, Darron Shallow and coach Jason Gibson, attended the camp in San Salvador, which included rowers from across the Caribbean and Latin America.{{more}}

The camp, which ran from March 27 to April 6, was opened at the Circulo Militar in San Salvador and speeches were presented by officials of the International Rowing Federation (FISA) and the El Salvador Rowing Association (ESA). The athletes for the next six days were involved in techniques classes, gym sessions and practical sessions on Lake Ilapango. Coach Jason Gibson was trained in coaching techniques and assisting athletes to maximize their potential. On the final day, members of the team were involved in a regatta, which saw Kevin Gibson in the winning circle with his team capturing gold medals in the 500 metres double (2X) and 500 metres quad (4X) events.

Technical director of the SVG Rowing Federation Raffique Browne was elated at the progress made by the athletes. “Our athletes have now been exposed to international training and competition and are ready to take SVG to the next level in the sport of rowing.” He noted that as they continue to develop the sport, such training camps are important to the sport and was grateful to Olympic Solidarity and the International Rowing Federation (FISA) for sponsoring the delegation. Brown was also pleased with the partnership of the corporate community in assisting a third athlete, especially INVEST SVG. The SVG Rowing Association is now planning for its first international outing at 2015 Regattas in Toronto, Canada.