Thursday May 31. An mtbs rowing team took part in Rotterdam’s first ever charity boat race.

In the ‘Boerengat’, at an arm’s length from the historic mtbs headquarters in the Wijnhaven, 20 teams battled head-to-head to win this important event. The race was the main event in a fundraiser for a major hospital in Rotterdam (Havenziekenhuis Rotterdam).  In a breath taking final the Smit team finally beat the Samskip team by a nose length; the Port Infolink team ended third overall. Over 20 thousand fans cheered the mtbs team to their number 5 position in the overall competition. According to team captain Robert Schot “this result is something to be most proud of, and it immediately presents us with a goal for next year: a top three ranking”. Helmswoman Marieke Lely added that “this result had not been possible without the support of all the boot race enthousiasts and the optimal preparation of the strong men and women in my boat”.

Most important were the funds raised for the hospital: nearly reaching 26 thousand euros, which significantly exceeded expectations.

-WvN-