The Essendon Rowing Club welcomes Fazila Husain and her father Farid from Chennai India. Fazila rows for the Madras Boat Club and is in Melbourne as a guest of the ERC, having first made contact through Karen Haag. A formal invitation from ERC President Paul Parker overcame some difficulties encountered during the visa application process. During her six week stay she will be competing in the winter sculling series as well as training extensively under Scott Riddell and the staff at ‘ERGfit’.

Fazila has accelerated her education, already completing ‘A-levels’ (VCE equivalent) and has been accepted into a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) degree. All at the age of fifteen! The coming years are dedicated to the goal of rowing with the Indian Junior Squad at the Asian Junior Championships and the World Junior Championships.

The Madras Boat Club (established 1867) boasts about 275 active members with a total membership of about 1100. Farid has also been inspired to establish ‘The Rowing Centre’ in Koovathur. Although in its early development stage the centre is geared to become one of the best in India.

Fazila and Farid are hosted by the Haags for the first three weeks of their stay. The Parkers host the second half of their stay until their departure on the 2^nd August. The Essendon Rowing Club wishes the Husains a pleasant and successful experience!