Ridley Rowing Featured on OMNI Television

Ridley’s Prep Girls rowing crew recently made headlines on OMNI Television, with a feature segment in Mandarin highlighting their remarkable performance at the Head of Shanghai River Regatta and the unique cultural experience on their recent trip to China.

The news story, produced for Canada’s Mandarin-speaking audience, showcased interviews with Ridley leaders and coaches, emphasizing the significance of this international opportunity for young athletes.

Headmaster Ed Kidd spoke about the transformative nature of the experience:

“It is really the experience and opportunity to row at an international competitive level, in an incredible, unique location, Suzhou Creek, right downtown Shanghai. They will never experience anything like that anywhere else in the world.”

The segment also featured Director of Rowing Siobhan McLaughlin, Coach Ashley Van Roon, who reflected on the months of preparation and the impact of competing abroad. McLaughlin noted the challenges of training in Shanghai’s humid conditions, while Van Roon highlighted the personal growth and cultural exchange that came with the trip:

“In terms of how it shaped them as athletes but also as kids, this was a big opportunity to travel that far, and then to be able to row was a whole other experience for them.”

While the crew earned gold and silver medals at the regatta, OMNI’s coverage focused on the broader story — how Ridley’s rowing programme continues to open doors for student-athletes, fostering resilience, global awareness and lifelong memories.

Watch the full OMNI Television feature here.