Buzzing Rowing and Soccer May 2024

 We really had a busy May. 

As usual, May is a busy season for rowing. Emily attended three regattas in MA this month and stayed with Double Scull and 2V4+ this season. The most brutal one was the North-Eastern Youth Championship, the qualification for National Youth. 

Emily and her teammate successfully advanced from time trial to semifinal and final. Unfortunately, they did not get the ticket for the National Youth Championship in June. However, I have seen the two girls working hard and absolutely improving better than their first regatta in Saratoga, NY. I strongly believe both girls can row to Florida next year after learning how to make themselves accommodate the stress and showcase the best of their capability. 

Women Youth Final: 2X, cold and drizzle, Merrimack River, Lowell, MA 2024 Spring 

I also volunteered with the officials of the regattas and experienced how to help with working at the finish line for the first time. Rowing is really a team sport and needs many people to contribute their time and talents. We also signed up the volunteers for food tents for BAB. Jolie bought the coffee urns to brew coffee and hot water in the early morning of regatta days. It meant preparing coffee and hot water at am 4:00 ish and sending Emily to the regatta around 6:00-6:30. BAB can have the current achievements and supportive environment since every family and parent's contributions. Jolie and I will continue to be involved for a further 5 years since Alice will join the middle school team this fall. 

The Massachusetts Public Schools Rowing Association’s (MPRSA) Spring Championship regatta on May 26 closed the spring rowing season. All the girls swept all the events. Emily and her teammate's double sculling also led the second boat by more than 15 seconds. These victories symbolized the girls' diligent work and resilience. 

Gold Medal for 2X, High-Five to each other at the finish line, MPRSA 2024 Spring, Lowell, MA

Alice is still active in squash tournaments. However, after running for the tournament in the past two years, we have understood the position and attitude we want to take. We keep Alice's private lessons but only attend the Gold tournament once per month. Therefore, Alice was all busy with soccor games around this month. 

We celebrated Emily's 16th birthday at home with Jasmine's 2nd-year birthday. Emily and Alice have adopted the new life in the US well. Jolie and I also attended the BAB's activity more and more deeply in recent 2 years. Birthday parties may be one of the exceptions, though. 

Emily's 16th and Jasmin's 2nd Birthday, Acton, MA