For Iraqi Rowers, No Borders

04:43

May 26, 2010

rowing-in-iraq — A member of the Iraqi rowing team looks out at Lake Dokan. (Courtesy of Bruce Smith/Community Rowing)

A pair of American rowers traveled to Iraq earlier this month to help train a team of rowers and coaches from across the war-torn country.

Inspired by "Invictus," the 2009 biopic about Nelson Mandela and post-apartheid South Africa's rugby team, Bruce Harold Smith and fellow rower Bill Engeman traveled to Lake Dokan, in Iraqi Kurdistan, for a five-day training session. We talk with Smith about his experience.

Guests:

Bruce Harold Smith, Executive Director of Brighton nonprofit Community Rowing

This program aired on May 26, 2010.