Rowing clubs across the country are gearing up for USRowing and Concept2’s 14th-annual National Learn to Row Day, which is set to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2015. The goal of the event is to increase the visibility of the sport of rowing and create awareness of the health benefits it provides. Competitive and recreational rowers range in age from 12 to over 90, so it is never too early or too late to take up the sport.
Last year, 85 clubs from 32 states took part in the event, using the opportunity to increase visibility in their communities by showcasing their programs and facilities.
“National Learn to Row Day continues to grow each year as a result of the increase in the visibility of the sport, the interest in the health benefits rowing provides, and the passion of those in our rowing community to share the sport that they love with others,” said Susan Smith, USRowing’s Director of Member Programs and Services.
“Participation in 2014 was up from 75 clubs in 25 states that participated in 2013. We’re hoping to reach our goal of 100 clubs this year.”
The health benefits of the sport are what attracted Middleton, Wis.-native Vicky Opitz to give it a try as a novice at the University of Wisconsin. (Photo: Ed Hewitt, row2k.com) Since those first strokes, Optiz has taken the sport all the way to the world championships, where she won a gold medal as a member of the women’s eight last summer.
"The sport of rowing has given me many positive experiences in my life,” said Opitz. “You gain confidence for learning to try new things and improving on skills you have. The friends you make in rowing are lifelong friends. You see each other in the hard times, the best times and learn to work together. Whether you’re a competitive rower or recreational one, rowing is a sport to pick up and enjoy at any age."
National Learn to Row Day is a free event offered to the community. While each club organizes its own event, common elements of the day include taking members of the community out in rowing shells, teaching them rowing technique on ergs and giving them tours of their boathouses.
For more information on how you can host your own National Learn to Row Day, or for a Learn to Row Day in your hometown, visit the USRowing website at http://usrow.us/nltrd. Participating clubs will receive a National Learn to Row Day banner, posters, brochures, Concept2 technique poster and stickers to help promote their event.
About USRowing: USRowing is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. USRowing has 75,000 individual members and 1,300 member organizations, offering rowing programs for all. USRowing receives generous support from the National Rowing Foundation and its corporate sponsors and partners: ANXeBusiness Corp, Boathouse Sports, Connect-A-Dock, EMCVenues, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Ludus Tours, Rudy Project and Shimano. USRowing’s official suppliers include Concept 2, Croker Oars, JanSport, Nielsen Kellerman, Vespoli and WinTech. USRowing relies on strong partnerships to enable continued success. America Rows, which supports diversity in rowing and provides opportunities for those with disabilities, also benefits from corporate support.
Additional information may be found at www.usrowing.org | Twitter: @usrowing | YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/usrowingorg | Facebook: www.facebook.com/usrowing | Tumblr: http://usrowing.tumblr.com/ | Instagram: usrowingngb.
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