From 28 to 29 November 2025, Harrow Hengqin and the neighbouring Rowing Park hosted a two-day celebration of education and sport. Beginning with an afternoon of in-depth conversations with rowing athletes from world-leading universities, and followed by the Fifth Hengqin Tinmuk Rowing Regatta, Harrow Hengqin offered pupils a memorable experience that combined athletic spirit with an international outlook.
On the afternoon of 28 November, rowers from four universities—Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale—came together at Harrow Hengqin for a joint sharing session.
The event opened in a warm and lively atmosphere. Ms Su Kaici, Deputy Director of the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, welcomed the visiting athletes and noted both Harrow and Hengqin’s deep connection with the sport. Ms Su wished all participants a memorable stay in Hengqin.
Mr Luke Bartlett, Head Master of Harrow Hengqin, spoke of our beautiful setting, expressing his hope that the area will grow into a leading rowing centre in Asia. With its excellent facilities and protected water, the Tinmuk River is a world-class rowing course, less than 400 metres from the school. He welcomed the student-athletes from these distinguished universities and emphasised the value their sharing would bring to Harrow students.
The highlight of the session was led by the four team captains, who shared not only stories of rowing but also insights into growth and balancing their studies with elite training. Itai Almogy, Captain of the Yale Rowing Team, reflected that rowing had taught him a key lesson: effort and reward go hand in hand. The sport, he said, is built on teamwork, synchronisation and trust—every member’s contribution matters.
Dr Qu Yanjing of Cambridge shared her own experience, noting that she came from a small town in China and only discovered rowing while at Cambridge. For her, rowing has been a bridge to friendship, shared growth and a vibrant university life beyond academics.
Greg Cain, Captain of the Harvard Rowing Team, described rowing as his “second major”, explaining that the pursuit of excellence runs through every training session and race. The sport has given him fitness, opportunity and lifelong memories, and he encouraged pupils to give it a try.
Martha Seymour, Captain of the Oxford Rowing Team, added reflections on teamwork and the essential role of the cox.
During the Q&A, Harrow pupils raised questions ranging from balancing demanding studies with intense training to the most challenging moments in competition, showing their curiosity and engagement with life at top universities.
The sharing sessions were only the beginning. On 29 November, the Fifth Hengqin Tinmuk Rowing Regatta—hosted by the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and organised by Guangdong Hengqin Tinmuk Culture Co., Ltd.—took place at the Rowing Park beside our school. Teams from leading universities in the UK, the US, France, Singapore， Malaysia and Australia, alongside crews from across China, gathered on the Tinmuk River for two exciting days of racing.
The Harrow Hengqin community—pupils, staff and parents—joined to cheer on the competitors. Friends of Harrow Rowing crews and student rowing crews also competed with fierce determination.
This series of events showcased Harrow Hengqin’s commitment to international-minded and holistic education. By bringing world-class sporting resources onto campus, the school has created valuable opportunities for pupils to engage with global peers and to experience the principles of holistic development in action. From conversations to competition, from theory to practice, Harrow Hengqin continues to build meaningful pathways that lead its pupils towards the international stage.
