Coronavirus: coaches deliver rowing machines to athletes as officials try to stop rowers from leaving the sport
- Coaches have been going around Hong Kong delivering rowing machines and exercise bikes to rowers unable to gain access to the Sports Institute
- Head coach Chris Perry says about half a dozen young recruits have drifted away from the sport because all rowing centres are shut
They are jokingly known as the “Ergo Panda” delivery squad, though their roles are crucial in ensuring Hong Kong’s top rowers stay in shape during movement restrictions – but a more pressing concern is trying to prevent new recruits from leaving the sport.
Hong Kong’s rowing coaches – likened to the Foodpanda meals service – have been busy delivering around a dozen rowing machines and 15 exercise bikes to the homes of top rowers who are unable to gain access to the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Meanwhile, a handful of new recruits have quit the sport since rowing centres were closed two months ago, with the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association (HKCRA) holding online Zoom coaching sessions in an attempt to keep the juniors engaged.
“The athletes were joking about our coaching team being very busy going around delivering rowing machines and bikes. They called them ‘Ergo Panda’,” said HKSI head coach Chris Perry.
“We have limited resources but where we have been able to, we have taken all the training bikes and rowing machines we have available, and taken them around to the kids’ houses.