September 11, 2024

On September 1, 2024, a boat with children from paediatric oncology once again took part in the charity regatta "Rowing against cancer", which this year took place in Halle (Saale). It was a weekend full of emotion and impressive sporting achievements. The team, consisting of four young rowers aged between nine and 18, including a child with a below-knee amputation, showed that they are capable of top performances despite the challenges they have experienced due to their cancer.

Thanks to the sporting support of Mirko Buzdon (Sports Medicine, MHH), Vincent Mietzke (Psychosocial Services, MHH) and the commitment of rowing coach Niklas-Maximilian Epping (HRC von 1880 e.V.), who also acted as coxswain in the races, the children managed to surpass themselves and win the final in a photo finish.

The four children, who did not know each other personally before the regatta and the three preparatory training sessions on the Maschsee, quickly grew into a strong team. They demonstrated this impressively by first winning the preliminary round with aplomb and then securing first place among the seven teams in the ActiveOncoKids network group in an exciting 300-meter final race against three other opponents.

It was particularly remarkable that one of the participants was able to take part in a competition again just one year and one day after her diagnosis - a sign of the incredible resilience and will to live of these children.

Family members were also present throughout the weekend, cheering on and supporting their children to the best of their ability. Their role should not be underestimated: After exhausting chemotherapy, operations and stem cell transplants, it is a moving moment to see your own children and siblings take off again as fully integrated and resilient members of our society. We would particularly like to thank the parents and relatives for this - your support and commitment make all the difference.

In addition to the sporting activities, there were also numerous shared experiences that brought the team closer together over the weekend. After arriving on Friday and a cheerful birthday party, Saturday began with a visit to the zoo, bowling and a pasta party in the center of Halle. Sunday was then all about the race on the Saale, where the young athletes delivered their remarkable performance.

Hanover as a future venue for the charity regatta?

We are proud to announce that talks are currently underway to hold the "Rowing against Cancer" charity regatta in Hanover on June 28, 2025.

Volunteers who would like to help organize this major event can sign up for the newsletter(https://seu2.cleverreach.com/f/375334-376264/) and indicate their interest and preferred areas of involvement via a questionnaire(https://forms.office.com/r/5CEeWBsS74). This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of an initiative that combines sporting ambition and social responsibility.

We would like to thank all the supporters who made this special weekend possible, especially the Verein für krebskranke Kinder Hannover e.V. and the HRC von 1880 e.V. We are looking forward to the next event in Hanover with great anticipation!

Text: Niklas-Maximilian Epping, Mirko Buzdon