The Legend of Li’l Ange, mid-1990s and 2000s

In the early years of the twenty first century, the Power House Rowing Club had a huge and powerful rower named Ange, who was renowned for his rippling muscles and strength in weight training and on the water. The rowing club travelled to a regatta and a strange thing happened. A miniature version of Ange appeared in the children’s toy section of the supermarket. It was located by Roland Baltutis, and confirmed by his fellow club members as bearing an uncanny resemblance to club member Angelo Rizzardi.

Li’l Ange, as the miniature figure came to be known, was brought back to Melbourne where he was put on a pedestal, painted gold, and revered as a legend of the Power House Rowing Club. He featured on the PHRC Squad T-shirt for the 2009 Australian Masters Championships and an award was presented in his honour for many years.

Li’l Ange travelled far and wide with the Power House rowers, who drew strength and motivation from his fine physique and commitment to training.

Li’l Ange was photographed in travels around the world, sharing his message of hard work and its rewards with all whom he met.

Li’l Ange has now retired to the PHRC trophy cabinet, where his powerful presence continues to inspire all who pass through the doors of the Power House Rowing Club.