An inter-school indoor rowing championship proposed by Longtails Rowing Club is going ahead next month.

Zoe Oduntan, the club’s young founder, revealed that Axa XL, Arch Re and Hannover Re have donated rowing machines for the schools to use in the competition.

Semi-finals of the inaugural event are scheduled for November 14 at LifeThyme CrossFit on Dundonald Street, where Henry Adderley is providing use of the venue free of charge. The final competition is planned for January 2027.

With guidance from club coaches Barbara O’Shaughnessy, Willie Forbes and Dirk Hasselkuss, Oduntan helped bring the equipment needs of schools to the attention of companies interested in supporting youth rowing in Bermuda.

“Axa XL provided 12 ergometers altogether, two ergs each to six schools ― Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning, Bermuda High School for Girls, Chatmore, Mount St Agnes, Warwick Academy and Saltus Grammar School,” Oduntan said.

Arch Re, which provided two ergometers each to CedarBridge Academy and Somersfield Academy, described the programme as a fantastic initiative that gives young people in Bermuda the opportunity to experience rowing, whether recreational or competitive.

“By introducing rowing ergs into schools, students are exposed to new skills, healthy activities and the opportunity to challenge themselves,” the company said.

“Arch Re are proud to support the Longtails Rowing Club and its efforts to inspire and develop the next generation of rowers.”

Hannover Re provided two ergs to Sandys Secondary Middle School, with the organisation pleased to be giving back to the community and seeing young people active and enthusiastic about rowing.

In addition, BEST Shipping supported the initiative by transporting some of the donated machines to Bermuda at no cost, with some local delivery also provided free of charge. All 18 ergs have now been delivered to the participating schools.

Longtails Rowing Club coaches and mentors, including Tricia Riley and Oduntan, have also visited a number of schools.

During the visits, they demonstrated proper rowing technique, machine set-up, pacing and safe use, helping both students and staff feel confident using the ergs as they prepare for the competition.

“We’re so grateful to all the donors and coaches for their generosity and for supporting Longtails Rowing Club’s goal of introducing rowing to as many young people as possible,” the club added.

“Students from participating schools will compete in boys and girls categories, with the championship designed to give more young people the opportunity to experience rowing and to create a pathway from indoor rowing into on-water participation.

“Longtails hopes the championship will become an annual fixture in Bermuda’s interschool sporting calendar and encourage more students to discover rowing, including those who may not already participate in traditional school sports.”