Senior female rowers at Ballarat High School remain devastated at the impasse which has denied them a chance to row in Head of the Lake in 2022.
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An email was sent from the school to parents and rowers stating they were discontinuing its girls' senior rowing program for the 2021-2022 season and a resolution is still yet to be reached.
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In a statement from school principal Gary Palmer, he said coaching issues drove the decision.
"This is a difficult decision that is supported by the school's executive leadership team," he said.
"Significant efforts were made before the season started to get suitable coaches for the senior girls. Our coach has since withdrawn for personal reasons.
"We will make every effort to find a coach for next season."
An online petition, which has received 787 signatures at the time of writing, has been made, calling to reinstate the girls' senior program.
The petition said "the email stated that it was due to lack of coaches, we all went in and told them we have people wanting to step up and coach, but they didn't want to take it on board ..."
The school would not divulge any further information on the problem.
The petition states "all of us are heartbroken and confused about the situation ..."
It continues to say "a few rowers even postponed apprenticeships and stayed at school to complete their last season ..."
Ballarat City Rowing Club has put its hand up to take the girls in and allow them to train and compete with the club.
A mother of one rower mentioned other schools have shown their support and are willing to help.
One of the rowers has reached out to current Olympians and rowing organisations around the country, receiving responses from Rowing Australia and Rowing Victoria, among others, supporting their fight.
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Ollie Nash
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
