More than 50 boats take part in charity regatta: a great success for a good cause.
Two teams from ‘Rowing against cancer’ shortly before the starting signal on the Maschsee. Copyright: Jana Sust / MHH
Impressive performance despite cancer: Young cancer patients from MHH take part in a charity regatta. Copyright: Jana Illmer-Krüger / MHH
Last Saturday, the boathouse of the Hannover Rowing Club was transformed into a place of solidarity and sporting enthusiasm. The charity regatta ‘Rowing Against Cancer’, which took place in Hanover for the first time this year, attracted hundreds of participants and visitors – all with a common goal: to send a strong message against cancer.
Novice rowers and professionals take to the start line together
In perfect summer weather, over 50 teams competed against each other in exciting races on the Maschsee lake. Participants included patients, doctors, nursing staff, rowers and, above all, novice rowers from local companies. The participants showed great commitment and team spirit – in keeping with the spirit of the event, which combines sport and social engagement.
"Sitting in a rowing boat for the first time and gliding across the water together was a great experience. I was impressed and moved by how many people came together to do something good. We had very well-organised training beforehand, and the coaches, the rowing club helpers who provided the boats and the coxswains were all fully committed. We hope the regatta will come back to Hanover next year. We will continue rowing!" said participant Franziska-Roberta Schneider
Proceeds from the regatta go to sports medicine at MHH
The charity regatta is an initiative of the Living with Cancer Foundation. The Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) at Hanover Medical School (MHH) coordinated the event. The Living with Cancer Foundation uses the proceeds from the regattas to fund regional therapy support services in oncology, particularly moderate sports and exercise projects, at the respective locations. The proceeds from the regatta in Hanover went to the Department of Sports Medicine at the Clinic for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at MHH. Cancer patients receive support during and after intensive therapy in various projects in the areas of prevention, sports therapy and rehabilitation.
"For 20 years, Rowing Against Cancer has stood for solidarity in action and concrete help. Modern research and improved therapies have already taken some of the fear out of certain types of cancer. However, the strong role played by society in supporting those affected and helping them to feel their own strength is also indispensable. Tailor-made sports programmes make an important contribution to this. This is exactly where today's regatta comes in: its proceeds will be used to fund sports programmes for those affected in regions that have been underserved to date. Because participation and courage to face life should not be a question of where you live. My thanks go to everyone who contributes to this," emphasised Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony's Minister for Science and Culture, who attended the event and personally presented the winning teams with their awards.
Young cancer patients from MHH enthusiastically take to the water
A highlight was the participation of two groups from the ActiveOncoKids network. The young patients from MHH's paediatric oncology department are between 15 and 19 years old. With sporting support from Mirko Buzdon (sports medicine, MHH), Vincent Mietzke (psychosocial service, MHH) and the commitment of rowing coach Niklas-Maximilian Epping (HRC von 1880 e.V.), they took part in the race with great enthusiasm – some in boats, some cheering loudly from the shore. "With our rowing training, the joint rowing weekend and participation in the regatta, we want to show the children after their intensive cancer treatment that they belong again – strong, resilient and full of new energy. For many families, it is a touching moment when they see how much their child can achieve again. It is often the first time that their confidence grows: things are improving step by step," explains Buzdon.
The OnkoKids have already taken part in charity regattas at other locations in recent years and were delighted that this year's event was held in Hanover. This was the first time the young people had competed against adult boats, which was a particular challenge. Their participation symbolises the courage, joie de vivre and team spirit that characterise Rowing Against Cancer. The weekend was full of moving moments and outstanding sporting achievements. The support provided by the Verein für krebskranke Kinder Hannover e.V. (Hanover Association for Children with Cancer) over the weekend was a significant contribution.
In addition to the sporting competitions, a varied supporting programme, interviews and various stands ensured that the event was family-friendly and offered added value. A big thank you goes to all supporters – whether through sponsorship, dedicated preparation, training in the run-up to the event or active involvement on the day itself.
Text: Jana Illmer