High school row to glory

Proving they were always one step ahead of the game, the Bar Raisers from Broome Senior High School were crowned the winners of the 2011 Broome Dragon Boat Regatta on Saturday.

School principal Saeed Amin said he was “absolutely delighted” for the school to have won the race.

“It was great to be able to be part of the event and to represent the high school,” he said.

“It was terrific to see the school come out on top.”

Mr Amin said he enjoyed taking part in his first regatta, and described the win as a team effort.

Life and Soul took second place, while Broome Surf Life Saving Club came in third.

Once again, Broome’s annual race demonstrated why it is one of the most fiercely contested sporting events in the Broome calendar, with a spectacular performance.

Broome Rotary Club member and the main commentator for the event, Roger Colless, said the day was a great success as 20 teams were welcomed for the competition this year.

More than 1500 people attended the event as part of the Shinju Matsuri festivities and cheered on the participants throughout the competition – which showcased 22 races in total.

Mr Colless said the highlight was seeing the high school win the competition.

He said there were always memorable races each year, including capsizes and disqualifications.

Mr Colless said six boats had capsized during the competition, while two teams crashed into each other, and one got caught up in the mangroves.

As per tradition, local Doug Fong woke the dragons in a special ceremony at the start of the event.

More than $10,000 is expected to be raised from the event.