Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Friday, 24 October 2014 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The oarsmen of Royal College and S. Thomas’ College will showcase their skills and technique as they battle it out for the T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy at the traditional 41st Annual Royal-Thomian Regatta.
One of the oldest inter-school regattas in Sri Lanka, this annual rowing competition between Royal College and STC commenced in 1962 as the Royal-Thomian Boat Race. It evolved into a regatta format in 1966 with two fours rowed by the two traditional rivals.
This traditional regatta currently comprises 11 races – includes sculls, pairs and fours. Out of the 40 Regattas rowed, S. Thomas’ College has recorded 19 wins while Royal College won 15; five Regattas ended in a draw, while the Regatta in 2006 was not held. The races are rowed over a distance of 1,000 yards at the Colombo Rowing Club. Regarded as the most prestigious boat race in Sri Lanka, the race is rowed for the Boat Race Trophy – Senior Fours.
The Royal-Thomian regatta, which is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the schools calendar, is an event that is enthusiastically anticipated by both the present and old boys of both schools. An exciting game is expected between the two traditional rivals as they have proven themselves to be fierce competitors in the regattas held over the years.
The Chief Guest for the event will be Ajith Goonawardene, a past Oarsman of STC (1967-1969), while Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO/MD Suren Goonewardene will be the Guest of Honour. The event is sponsored by Bharti Airtel Lanka for the third consecutive year. The races will start at 1 p.m. at the Colombo Rowing Club on 25 October.
