2023 Regional Grantees; Where are they now?
For the second year in a row, in November 2023, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation awarded boathouses in the Pacific Northwest financial support to help them increase young people's access to rowing.
Here are some updates on their projects.
Tacoma Rowing was awarded funds in support of a trailer purchase to transport ergometers to outreach events.
“In 2024, the Tacoma Rowing trailer was used to introduce over 700 students in Tacoma Public Schools to rowing. An additional 250 youth and over 100 adults were introduced to rowing during 5 community events. The trailer also transported over 40 machines and other supplies for NW Ergomania.” - Dave Harvey, Tacoma Rowing
Olympia Area Rowing was awarded funds in support of erg purchases to run ERG ED® in four school districts in Thurston County, increasing access to the sport of rowing in the Olympia area.
“Our 2023 regional grant award of 10 new Concept2 ergs allowed us to start an ERG ED® program in Thurston County schools. Eleven PE teachers in four school districts were trained with the ERG ED® curriculum during our first year. ERG ED® was offered in six schools allowing 853 students to experience rowing in the classroom and providing a path for rowing on the water at Olympia Area Rowing. ” - Jim Bertolini, O.A.R
Green Lake Crew was awarded funds in support of transportation and coaching for youth from Seattle Parks and Recreation Child Care programs to join the Stem to Stern Program.
“Green Lake Crew continues to partner with STEM to Stern to provide transportation, STEM activities and coaching for middle schoolers from the Bitter Lake Community Center after school and summer programs.
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- Wendy Caldwell, GLC
North Cascades Crew was awarded funds in support of a Learn to Row program for underserved youth in Snohomish County, as well as scholarship support for any new participants.
“We have been pleased to have three athletes supported by scholarships this year. These youth have attended regattas and are excited for 2025. While the Learn to Row program has had its challenges, the goal continues to be to encourage kids not normally able to row to join the program.”
- Dar Salo,
NCC
Renton Rowing Center was awarded funds to purchase a coaching launch to increase capacity at the boathouse.
“Renton Rowing Club used the grant funds to purchase a used pontoon launch to accommodate its growing youth and adult programs. Acquiring this launch has meant that we have crossed the first of a few large hurdles towards expanding our overall capacity and getting more kids and adults on the water in south King County. Thanks to investments like these by the GPRF into the RRC boathouse, our youth team is the largest it has been since the pre-COVID era, and our adult membership is the largest it's ever been!” - Rachel Wong, RRC
Vancouver Lake Rowing Club was awarded funds to support funding the construction of a barge to facilitate a safe, comfortable, and positive introduction to rowing, focusing on youth moving from ERG ED® (indoor rowing) to the water (outdoor rowing).
“We pivoted to use the funds awarded to purchase more rowing machines to meet the amazing growing demand we have for ERG ED® in Vancouver! We are leveraging knowledge of other similar programs using erg based programs to get kids to the boathouse and on the water.” - Conor Bullis, VLRC
