ROWING FOR ALL!

Having just come back from the US Rowing Club Nationals, I have been thinking about our sport and how wonderful and beautiful it is. Hard, fast rowing is a joy to watch. As any rower will tell you, the benefits from rowing are many. The physical workout is primary, but not the only reason to row. Two programs in Massachusetts, with their roots in Mount Holyoke Crew tradition, are helping high school aged women grow through rowing.

Across the river from Mount Holyoke College, the Care Center of Holyoke works with parenting teens. The Center provides support for these young women as they work towards their GED certification. Nine years ago, the Care Center and Mount Holyoke College jointly founded Rowing Strong,Rowing Together. The primary goal is to bring a high quality team-building activity to a population of young women who currently have little or no access to the water. The young mothers relish the chance to understand and develop their physical capabilities. Anne Teschner, the Care Center's director, says that "We have noticed a significant improvement in the rower's self-esteem, attendance, and ability to focus on academics."

The program now has four additional sites in New England and will host the Young Mom's Regatta in South Hadley on August 16th. Races begin at 10AM and volunteers/spectators are welcome! You can read more about the program, see some great photos and contact Anne at their website: http://www.carecenterholyoke.org

Across the state, in Boston, G-ROW BOSTON reaches out to inner-city girls and helps them gain access to the Charles River. Founded in 1999 by Holly Metcalf, MHC '81 and Olympic Gold Medalist, the program has grown to be a very competitive force in local high school racing.
G-ROW believes that rowing promotes self-confidence, determination, and personal growth while helping the girls develop leadership skills. G-ROW also provides academic mentors. You can see some great footage of the girls rowing in the TEAM section of their website: http://www.growboston.org

Rowing for all- what a great idea!