Mark Kwiatkowski
Footscray City Rowing Club (VIC) and Canberra Rowing Club (ACT)
Mark commenced his rowing as a coxswain at Footscray City Rowing Club in Melbourne before becoming a lightweight sculler who competed at National Championships level.
The following citation appears on the Rowing ACT website Life Members page and was extracted on 30th December 2022.
Mark Kwiatkowski was elected to Life Membership the 1990s in recognition of his contribution to ACT Rowing as the instigator of the Winter Time Trials, a major element in the inter-club rowing competition, and as a coach and administrator. These efforts were also recognised when he was awarded the Cliff Hill Memorial Trophy for 1991-92.
Mark came to Canberra in 1984 with partner Alison Chinn, bringing a wealth of experience gained from the Footscray City Rowing Club on the Maribyrnong River. He quickly recognised the potential presented for a head race on the more sheltered parts of the Lake and commenced the WTT for scullers in 1986. It was run by Mark and Alison with CRC volunteers until the Association took over in 1999.
In addition to roles as an oarsmen and administrator, Mark has frequently taken on the difficult role of coaching crews brought together at short notice to represent the ACT at national championships. His efforts have largely focused on encouraging young rowers to continue in the sport after leaving school.