The UNF Avalon team finished second in the newly formed Year of Sport Senior Open Crew division at the 207th Royal St. John’s Regatta on July 30. It was their first year in the regatta. Members of the team are, in no particular order, coxswain Megan Willette, Iryna Pegasina, Lesia Kandiuk, Viktor Shavluk, Serhii Vuiko, Kateryna Vasylenko and Serhii Vytiahanets. Photo by Nicholas Mercer/The TelegramArticle contentFor the last two years, Iryna Pegasina has walked the shores of Quidi Vidi Lake and watched the Royal St. John’s Regatta. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFor the Ukraine transplant, it was a way for her to take in one of the hallmarks of her new home. Article contentArticle contentAlong the way Pegasina started to imagine what it’d be like to be out there on the water with thousands of people cheering her on. Article contentOn July 30, that wait ended as Pegasina found herself in a racing shell taking part in the 207th running for the first time. Article content“It was my dream, really,” she said moments after completing her race. “We create the team from Ukrainian because we want to be involved in the City of St John’s. Article content“It was a goal. So, we are here and we did it.” Article contentArticle contentArticle contentNOT ALONEArticle contentOf course, she wasn’t alone in her rowing debut. In the boat alongside her were five others from Ukraine. Article contentAlongside Pegasina, the rest of the team is rounded out by Lesia Kandiuk, Viktor Shavluk, Serhii Vuiko, Kateryna Vasylenko and Serhii Vytiahanets. Article contentAlong with coxswain Megan Willette, they formed UNF Avalon. Article contentNamed for the Ukraine National Federation group, their integration into the uniquely St. John’s sport of fixed rowing started just over a month ago. Article contentThat’s when they started training. Article contentPLENTY OF GROWTHArticle contentSince jumping in the pond, so to speak, the team’s coxswain Megan Willette has seen her new pupils grow by leaps and bounds. Article contentWhen starting in June, Persina and her teammates couldn’t get themselves in sync in the shell. Article contentNow, they’ve completed the regatta. Article content“When we first started, if they could row two strokes in sync…, but they went out today, and they just did their absolute best,” said Willette. “We had a really good time to show for it. Article contentArticle content“So, I’m very proud of everything that they’ve done.” Article contentThat time was 06:14.58, which was good for second in the newly formed Year of Sport Senior Open Crew division. Article contentThey impressed others with their work on the pond. Article content“(Ukraine) were on our heels and they’ve never pulled a stroke, so kudos to them for coming out and giving us a good push,” said veteran coxswain and rower Gord Delaney. Article contentPULLING FOR MOREArticle contentSpeaking of pulling, the Pegasina’s group have a strong taste for rowing after their inaugural experience. Article contentThey aim to come back next year with a full year of training under their belt and some fire in their bellies. Article content“It’s like the best day of the last three years,” said Pegasina. “We are proud of all our team … and I hope we will be in the regatta next year.” Article content
Ukraine crew rows in their first Royal St. Johns Regatta
