Bermuda Rowing Association (BRA) will be giving their junior members valuable experience when they host students from Hillfield Strathallan College in Hamilton, Ontario, in two weeks' time as both prepare for upcoming events on their respective calendars.

Hillfield, who will be making their second trip to the Island after visiting last year, will be bringing 17 rowers and two coaches for some warm water training and competition with Bermuda's best from February 12-15.

A fun regatta is also slated for February 14.

President of the BRA, Michael Swain, said he was excited about the school coming back to the Island after their first trip.

He said the juniors, whose ages range from 16 to 18, needed to be competing regularly and against foreign opposition.

"The Hillfield athletes will be here for spring training as they are frozen in at home," said Swain.

"We are learning and developing new skills here with Sculling (two oars) coming into the programme now rather than the more familiar sweep rowing (one oar).

"The regatta will test our kids new skills as well as giving our junior programme an opportunity for external competition. It will also be fun.

"This relationship is just what we need.

"There is a reciprocal invitation for us to visit Hillfield and train with their athletes."

He added: "Rowing demands dedication and concentration, so having the opportunity to test these skills against overseas athletes is essential and gives focus to all of the training."

The juniors, under the tutelage of Giuliana Gonsalves, are training twice a week after school at the Bermuda High School for Girls (BHS) as well as on Saturday mornings.