Hundreds of spectators and competitors from around Australia are expected at the 2015 Griffith University Rowing at Regatta Waters Lake Rowing Course, Oxenford on Sunday, August 2.

Griffith Sports College Head Coach (Rowing) Lincoln Handley said 190 athletes were racing with 269 entries, a 21% increase on the 2014 event.

“The weather prediction is ideal with full sunshine and low wind, a perfect winter’s day!’’ he said.

The program remains much the same as last year with a couple of extra events for Years 8 and 9 school races due to increased demand.

“Once again UQ has supported the event well across all eligible events. The feature University Challenge of eight races will be a bigtask for Griffith to match the experience of the UQ crews.

“Griffith has chosen to select two young crews for this year’s event, to help develop them for future success, as well as preparing them for this year’s AUG’s championships in Adelaide in September.

“In the men’s 8+, six of the crew are first-year university students and in the women’s boat we have gone with seven first-year students, overlooking some more experienced senior athletes with a long-term plan to wrestle the prize from UQ.”

Griffith Sports Club Manager Duncan Free said it was great to see the event growing with more schools and clubs involved.

“Not are only the Gold Coast schools participating, but we’re also seeing many from Brisbane making the trip down the highway,’’ he said.

“There is no better place to hold a sports event than the Gold Coast and look forward to the continuing growth and success of the event in the coming years.”

Clubs to compete this year include: Griffith University Surfers Paradise Rowing Club, Brisbane and GPS Rowing Club, Bond Uni, UQ, Kand Rowing Club, Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, Centenary and Oxenford Rowing Club.

The schools line-up includes: Coomera Anglican College, Australian Industry Trade College, Trinity Lutheran College, Brisbane Boys College, Canterbury College, Brisbane State High School, Somerville House, Brisbane Grammar School, Kings Christian College, St Hilda’s and Rockhampton Grammar School.

Venue: Regatta Waters Lake Rowing Course, Watersports Lane, Oxenford

First race starts 8am. Event concludes at 2.30pm, with the main races between 12pm and 3pm.

Free admission, spectators welcome