Freedom Rowers is currently recruiting experienced and novice rowers for its youth and adult crews. Various off-water winter training programs will take place December through February, with the Spring rowing season running from March to May, 2009. Returning rowers from the Youth Team begin practicing March 7, 2009 and the youth Learn to Row program begins March 14, 2009. The returning Adult Team begins practicing March 9, 2009.
Youth crews, age 12 to 18, practice Monday through Friday afternoons from 3:30-5:30. Practice times for returning adult rowers will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 5:45-7:15am.
Rowing is an original event in the modern Olympic Games. It is a sport that requires dedication and determination. Crews work as a team and spend time on the water training, racing, having fun, and achieving a high level of fitness.
Freedom Rowers offers competitive and recreational rowing for youth and adult athletes under the guidance of a professional coaching staff and the support of adult mentors. Boats for eight, four, and two rowers are available. Crews will be formed in competitive, recreational, and novice categories. No experience is necessary and anyone with an interest is encouraged to join the team. Teams practice on the Tred Avon River in cooperation with Evergreen Cove Holistic Center in Easton, which hosts the launching facility. Indoor training is held at the Easton YMCA, using Concept 2 ergometers (rowing machines) donated by Freedom Rowers. Rowers also train in rowing tanks at the Wilmington Rowing Association boathouse.
Freedom Rowers Spring 2009 Regatta Schedule includes:
* Saturday, April 4 – Baltimore Invitational, Baltimore Rowing Club
* Saturday, April 19 – Lake Mercer Sprints, ISA Sculling Championships, Princeton, NJ
* Sunday, April 26 – William and Sarah Cooper Cup, South Jersey Rowing Club
* Saturday, May 9 – St. Andrews School, Middletown, Delaware
* Date to be Announced – Wilmington Youth Regatta, Wilmington, Delaware
* Date to be Announced – NEMA Regionals
Freedom Rowers is funded by dues, donations, business sponsorships and community support, with funds managed and administered by Mid Shore Community Foundation. Participation from the community, in the form of experienced coaches, volunteers, equipment donations, or financial assistance is welcome to help with future program growth.
For more information or to join a team, please write to PO Box 3086, Easton MD 21601, phone 410-829-1691, or visit www.freedomrowers.org.