Share

University Rowing Clubs Put Rivalry Aside as They are Nominated for Award at Scottish Event Awards

Two Aberdeen students rowing crews have been nominated for the Best Student Event Award at the 2011 Scottish Event Awards.

Adam Downie of Aberdeen University and Andrew Staite of The Robert Gordon University are the club presidents who received the nomination for leading the organisation of the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

The annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, now in its 16th year, is an event delivered entirely by students from concept to completion. A small army from Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon University was led by team presidents Adam and Andrew to coordinate the annual event known for its serious inter university rivalry.

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management which sponsors the race says, “Andrew and Adam are very deserving nominees for this award, not only are they members of the crews that make the whole event possible, but they are excellent leaders, who made many decisions and successfully coordinated the event. The main objective of the event remains constant - to give the two university boat teams a platform on which to compete; but there is also a desire to increase interest in rowing locally, give increased profile for Scottish rowing and encouraging more people to participate in the sport as well as to create a spectacle for the people of Aberdeen. Without Andrew and Adam’s leadership and commitment to the event this would not be possible.

“An important aspect of the event is to involve students in as many elements as possible in the organisation of the event, and to give them a sense of ownership. Adam and Andrew encouraged almost 60 young people to join them in organising the event. As team presidents, Andrew and Adam are natural leaders on the water but also confident and competent on dry land. Along with their teams they organised everything from traffic management to public education events.”

The event, which took place on the 5th of March 2011 saw Aberdeen University triumph over their rivals, Robert Gordon University (RGU) for the 14th time in the 16 year history of the race. The winning team completed the 3.5km race from the Bridge of Dee to Aberdeen Boat Club in Torry in 8 minutes and 22 seconds.

The awards will be held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on the 15th September 2011.

109 views