When Eduardo Saraiva left Brazil for a new chapter in his life, he brought with him not just his experience as a media lecturer but also a lifelong passion for rowing. Now that passion is about to culminate in a truly special experience as he prepares to take part in his first ever Maltese Regatta.
Settling on the island, Eduardo was quick to start searching for a rowing club. “Rowing has always been close to my heart,” he explained. “As soon as I arrived, I knew I wanted to get involved.” It was not long before social media brought him into contact with Joseph Grima, President of the Siggiewi Regatta Club. The two bonded quickly after connecting on Facebook, and Eduardo found himself warmly welcomed into the local rowing community.
Joseph Grima recalls the moment fondly. “When I first spoke to Eduardo, I told him jokingly that he was an act of God. We were missing a rower at the time” The joke soon turned into reality as Eduardo stepped up to fill the space with enthusiasm and commitment.
Since then, Eduardo has been training hard and preparing for what will be his debut in the vibrant and deeply rooted Maltese rowing tradition. “I feel very lucky to be here,” he said. “The energy around this event, the passion, the community, it is inspiring. I am honoured to now be a small part of it.”
Eduardo’s participation is also a historic one. He will become only the second non-Maltese rower ever to compete in the Regatta and notably the very first non-European to do so. The Regatta has traditionally been dominated by Maltese athletes over the years, except for a few notable exceptions. One of them is a female rower and an Italian rower. However, his presence adds an important milestone to the event, marking a moment of inclusion and diversity in a sport that is proudly Maltese at its core.
President Grima sees Eduardo’s story as a reflection of the evolving spirit of the Regatta. “Having rowers from different backgrounds and walks of life is something very positive. It is something we at Siggiewi value and want to encourage even more,” he said. “Sport should bring people together and Eduardo is a great example of that.”
Asked whether he knows just how competitive the Regatta can get, Eduardo smiled knowingly. “Oh, I am fully aware,” he chuckled. “One of my own students is racing too, for another team. That just makes it even more exciting.” Despite the looming rivalry, Eduardo is embracing the challenge with open arms and an open heart. “I cannot wait to be part of this culture and to live this experience from the inside. It is something I will never forget.”
The Regatta will take place on Monday, 31st of March, during Freedom Day celebrations and for Eduardo Saraiva it will be a day of personal freedom, discovery and sporting history.
