How this all started.......In 2009 Umar Jamaal made a visit to Great Britain to watch the World Coastal Rowing Championships, what he saw that day convinced him that - Maldivians can and could row, Maldivians can and could build boats and Maldivians could host a World Championships. On his return he started to explore how he could bring his thoughts alive, and so began the Rowing Association of the Maldives (RAM).
In March 2010 British Olympic Silver Medallist Guin Batten completed a record breaking row of the Zero Degree Channel between two atolls in the Maldives. Following her incredible efforts the support she received from the community inspired her to assist Umar and RAM to revive rowing in the Maldives. The first volunteer, James Cowley, spent ten months on the island of Thinadoo teaching rowing and swimming to school children and establishing rowing amongst the community. In November 2010 following a weather thwarted attempt to cross the notorious 'One and Half Degree' channel, Elise Cope spent three weeks on the island of Gadhadoo kicking off the rowing programme there. It became apparent that in order to get rowing established throughout the populated island a succession of long term volunteer coaches would be needed, an advert was placed and we both applied! At the beginning of March 2011 Rachel was the first of a new wave of volunteer coaches to head out to the Maldives to work with the Rowing Association of the Maldives, with Tash following in July. Although apprehensive as to what we may face we are both really excited about getting out there and getting stuck in. This website is our story..... |
Why rowing?The Maldives have a long history of rowing, as the most dispersed country in the world it was the only method of transport between the 1,192 islands spread over 90,000 square kilometres. Rowing was a traditional part of community life, as a means of transport as well as a part of its cultural identity. It was once a common occurrence with racing taking place up until the early 1980’s. However since the advent of the outboard engine many of the traditional craft have been converted or fallen in to disrepair and rowing has become a lost art.
RAM was established in 2010 to help redevelop the sport of rowing, particularly amongst the women, throughout the country, aiming to create a rowing renaissance as it inspires the younger generation to take up the sport One of the key ambitions of RAM is to get women involved in the sport. The Maldives have a long tradition as a liberal Muslim society where women have had an active and prominent role. However in recent decades women have taken more of a backseat, with few employment opportunities on the islands and creeping religious extremism, resulting a gradual loss of their freedom and their ability to participate fully within their community. Swimming and rowing are a fantastic way to encourage girls to improve their self confidence, belief and friendships. As we both have a huge passion for sport and a belief in the benefits it can bring, we are hugely excited about this programme and how much it will be able to help the people of the Maldives. |