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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Tyler Mattio, Alyssa Reid, and Thomas Dunn (L-R) on rowing machines in front of Solomon's Fresh Market in the Old Fort Bay Town Center.
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Club hosts Third Successful Fundraiser
Nassau, Bahamas - The whirring of rowing machines broke the calm at 6AM at Solomon’s Fresh Market in Old Fort Bay Town Center on Saturday, March 21st, signaling the start of The Nassau Rowing Club’s 3rd Annual “Ergathon.” Rowers, their parents, and fans came together for a 12-hours and rowed 181,994 meters to raise awareness and funds for the nascent not-for-profit sports club.
NRC members as young as 15 and as old as 60 kept at least one of the machines occupied throughout the day in thirty-minute shifts. The diverse group reflected the mission of the country’s first rowing club: to develop the premier competitive rowing program in The Bahamas for rowers of all experience, age and fitness levels.
The machines, equipment, and international medals, attracted a curious and supportive audience throughout the day. Spectators were able to sponsor their favorite rower to pull a ‘power ten,’ a series of ten strokes focused on raw power output, and a few former collegiate rowers stopped by to lend a few meters to the NRC’s cause.
Thomas Dunn, a former rower and current senior at the University of Alabama, remarked: “It's great to see rowing not only gaining a foothold in this country but is going about it in the right way. Nassau RC has the right ideas in mind by getting the youth involved, and establishing a community for past, present, and future rowers."
Cyril Saunders, a member who became involved in the NRC without any prior rowing experience and is now a regular member of the Men’s squad, echoed the sentiment: “The NRC is doing a terrific job in getting our crews motivated for the regattas we have planned to attend, as well as in terms of building a regular training schedule despite our limited resources and personnel.”
Over the twelve hours, members and affiliates of the NRC rowed 181,994 meters; approximately 113 miles. The money raised from corporate and private sponsorship will go toward the club’s operational expenses for the next twelve months, as well as defraying costs for this summer’s Learn to Row camp.
Every year since 2013, the NRC has brought a professional rowing coach from collegiate programs in the United States to Nassau to provide intensive rowing instruction to high school students aged 14 and older.
Zachary Lyons receives tips from Joshua Dames, junior rower
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“The Learn to Row camp is our finding a way to give back to the local community,” says Kyle Chea, founding President and Head Coach. “We provide a top level opportunity in a small group that students would require students to travel abroad, find accommodations, and pay more to be a part of a bigger group.”
The Learn to Row camp has been led in 2013 by Stephanie Ricker, Head Men’s & Women’s Coach at Vassar College, and in 2014 by Anthony Chacon, Assistant Men & Women’s Coach and Coxswain Coach at North Park University.
“Rowing is amongst the most demanding of sports, but in return it rewards participants with physical fitness, self-discipline and a sense of team spirit,” noted Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law, the club’s lead corporate sponsor for the third consecutive year. “Rowers, whether they are beginners or veterans, carry these qualities into their everyday lives. In The Bahamas we have all the elements necessary to be a rowing powerhouse and venue for international rowing competitions. Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher is proud to support efforts to make that happen, and we wish rowing in the Bahamas every success.”
The Nassau Rowing Club wishes to express its thanks to its corporate sponsors and partners for 2015-2016, including Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law; BELIEVE – The Baha Mar Foundation; Bahamas Medical Center; Old Fort Bay Town Centre, New Providence Development Company, Odyssey Aviation, Solomon’s Fresh Market, LenoxPaton, PCL Imports Ltd, Concept2 Rowing, Lyford Cay International School, SMG Construction & Custom Cabinetry, SunTee, and Bahamas Waste.
For more information on the Nassau Rowing Club, please contact nassaurowingclub@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page: Facebook.com/NassauRowingClub.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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