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New South Wales Rowing Association Annual Regatta program
New South Wales Rowing Association Annual Regatta program

New South Wales Rowing Association Annual Regatta program

Date1902
Object number00032020
NameProgram
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 135 x 109 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis program was produced for the New South Wales Rowing Association's 23rd Annual Regatta held at Sydney on 11 October 1902. The program includes a table listing results of annual races held by the NSW Rowing Association, and a program of events to be held. The inside back cover contains a fold-out map of the course along the Parramatta River.HistoryAmateur rowing and sculling was formally organised into clubs in Australia from the 1860s. Members described themselves as amateur to distinguish themselves from the professional rowers and watermen. Social distinctions plagued the amateurs with manual labourers only receiving full amateur status in 1903. Regattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th century where they functioned as a social and sporting event, as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship. SignificanceThis program is representative of the sport of rowing in New South Wales, Australia, at the turn of the 20th century.