When the Zone 8 Cariboo-North East rowing team hits the water at the Surrey 2012 BC Summer Games, it will be an all South Cariboo squad.
That includes coach Jack Jenkins and assistant coach Will Van Osch and everyone is a member of the South Cariboo Rowing Club.
The team of juniors includes Alex Lubbe, Tyra Van Osch, Anna Lisa Craig, Josie Duncan and coxswain Ryan Bock.
Games rules normally allow for up to three of one gender to represent a zone, but due to the shortage of junior rowers in Zone 8, an exception was made, says Jenkins.
His athletes will compete in women's doubles and mixed four events, which include a skills event, a 1,000-metre time trial and a 500-m match race.
Jenkins says the skills event focuses on boat handling skills and is designed for novice level rowers.
"It's being introduced as a competitive rowing event because there's been a movement away from the more strenuous competitive events like 1,000 and 2,000-m events for that age group. They don't want injuries, and it's a lot more fun."
Jenkins says the team has been practising five times a week, trying to get in a 12-week training program before the Games begin.
"The kids are excited about going. We're lucky because they've all been rowing together for a while. This will be a great experience for them."