BBS and Rotary International's Dragon Boat Racing Event - Sunday 5th June 2016

A call to arms (well paddles) went out and as before the Business School staff and students responded admirably to the Rotary Clubs of Edgbaston Convention and Birmingham Breakfast’s Annual Dragon Boat Racing event!

This year’s lot were indeed A LOT – 6 crews in all; one staff, and five Programmes’ crews in the Business School branded boat – all ready, willing and able to cross swords (paddles) with the crews from Aston Business School (one student and one staff crew) and a mixed crew from Birmingham City University.

Sadly with just days, or literally hours to go, our higher educational opposition’s teams withdrew….clearly they could see a thrashing was on the cards as BBS crews were setting up to defend not only our honour, but also last year’s triumphant achievement!; which demonstrates the staying power of those associated with BBS in comparison to our ‘esteemed’ colleagues at ABS and BCU!

However, not to be deflated or outdone, our crews, in their rather snazzy yellow t-shirt ensemble, (sponsored by the MSc IB Programme – cheers Michel G) gathered to do battle against each other and against local businesses.

As last year, the day began unpromisingly, but the sun soon burned through the clouds to make the event most enjoyable. Sadly our efforts this year were not rewarded; we had heart, motivation and enthusiasm aplenty but somehow, Investment managers Brewin Dolphin thwarted our efforts and snatched the winners’ medals.

This was a great networking event for staff and students, and their friends and families.

But what really stood out, showing the thoughtfulness and social responsibility of Business School students, was their agreement to form a crew in memory of the fiancé of a Rotarian who died tragically earlier this year. They did both us and themselves proud!!!

Libby Robotham
MSc Team Manager