On 18th October, Zambezi boat club hosted the 2014 regatta on the Zambezi River. The regatta is an annual event in Livingstone. Companies and organizations compete in teams of 6 paddlers. This year Response Network participated with 2 teams, one team of men and a team for girls being sponsored by Academic Work and other donors. It was very exciting for the girls as they were the youngest team and it was their first time paddling on water. Without any idea about paddling, the girls slowly practiced on several occasions before the competition.
The event started with a 2km walk on 17th October. The aim of the walk was to advertise the teams that were participating. Response Network Director gave moral support to the teams as he joined the walk, this really gave the young girls courage and a sense of belonging to have the Director walk and sing with them.
The event was graced by southern province Permanent Secretary (PS) who was accompanied by the District commissioner and Livingstone District commissioner. A total of 30 teams participated, 18 male teams and 12 female teams. Response Network teams managed to compete with teams that have been there for more than 7 years like Auto world, Kazungula youth team, Livingstone Adventure, Zambia police marine, Zambia Army and many more. Even without getting any prize, both the girl’s team and the staff team were still delighted that they managed to reach the finish point safely. None of the girls in the team can swim, and it was their first time on the river, as most young people do not have access to swimming pools to learn swimming so it took a lot of courage for them to join.
