Coin toss sees Harvard in Perry boat
Barry Coombes, Chairman of the Perry Foundation, was calling last night at the Gallagher Great Race Boat Coin Toss but missed out both times, resulting in the University of Waikato men's and women's crew both taking to the water in Scottwood Trust boats on September 8.Rob Hamill, tossing on behalf on Scottwood Trust, had to make the hard decision of choosing what flag - New Zealand, Australia or America - to lie across each stern indicating who would row in each boat. Luckily for Scottwood his flag recognition skills were in fine form and he placed New Zealand flags across both boats.
Funded by Scottwood Trust and Perry Foundation, the four boats for the sixth year of the Gallagher Great Race are so new that only two are complete.
"This is the first year we have been able to hold a coin toss for the women's boats for the Bryan Gould Cup," says Mark Ingle, Director of Boathouse Events. "We had to borrow boats in past years for the women's race, but funding from Perry Foundation and Scottwood Trust has made it possible to have four new boats made."
The Cook Bar and Café in Hamilton East hosted a vocal and enthusiastic group of sponsors' and supporters of the Gallagher Great Race. Margaret Comer representing founding sponsor Gallagher said there was nothing like being involved in elite sports.
The winning of the toss had a different significance than in previous years, due to the recent merger between Perry Foundation and Scottwood Trust, which sees both organisations operate under the Perry Foundation Group umbrella from 1 August 2007.
Mr Coombes said they were thrilled at having international competition racing in the Waikato and better yet racing in Perry Foundation Group boats.
"This unique New Zealand event gets better and better each year," says Mr Coombes.
And international competition there will be, with a graduate crew from Harvard University challenging the University of Waikato men's crew for the Harry Mahon Memorial Trophy.
Harvard University were crowned champions at the 2007 Henley Regatta and were ranked number 2 in America behind University of Washington, who were defeated in the Gallagher Great Race in 2005.
The Gallagher Great Race is held on the Waikato River on Saturday September 8th. Free entertainment kicks off at 10am along with the Arrow International Fun Run and Walk which is raising money for Hospice Waikato's building appeal.
Waikato Management Secondary School race will see four of New Zealand's top girls and boys secondary school eights line up across the river, followed by the University of Waikato women's crew taking on Melbourne University Boat Club for the Bryan Gould Cup. The final event of the day is the Gallagher Great Race, with the University of Waikato men's eight facing off against Harvard University.