Outreach Rowing at the NRRA
Reach Out and Row (ROAR) is the umbrella which encompasses all outreach programs organized by Norwalk River Rowing. These varied programs are presented to ensure all members of the community have an opportunity to experience the benefits of rowing. Through the sport, local middle and high school students see increased levels of physical fitness and awareness of healthy eating habits, confidence, self-esteem, respect, and goal-setting. Working as a team, student-athletes learn the life long lesson of accomplishing goals previously thought unattainable, while enjoying the beauty of our local, natural environment.
Local students may become involved in rowing through one of two tracks. School-based programs, such as after school rowing clubs and electives, are offered in conjunction with local middle schools to introduce students to the sport of rowing as part of the school day or after school curriculum. Alternatively, peer group-based programs, such as Catch the Drive or Rowing Strong, Rowing Together target specific demographic groups, such as inactive teen girls or teen moms. Peer group programs partner with local high schools and social service agencies to recruit participants.
What does rowing build? |
• Discipline through physical and mental training during set practice times throughout the year.
• Teamwork by engaging in activity which relies on interdependence and trust.
• Self-esteem as students make friends and develop emotionally and physically.
• Respect for others during regular interaction with peers and coaches.
• Respect for the environment while practicing on the Norwalk River. |
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| 2009 Accomplishments |
2010 Goals |
• Introduced nearly 100 local students to the sport of rowing
• Founded the after school science and rowing club at West Rocks Middle School, in partnership with the Norwalk Education Foundation, allowing students to experience the natural environment on a first-hand basis.
• Initiated a new after school rowing program at Roton Middle School.
• Offered rowing as an elective class at Side by Side Community Charter School.
• Presented Summer Science and Rowing Camp, in partnership with the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium.
• Captured the silver medal in the Outreach Women’s 4+ at the Young Parents Regatta in August and gold at the Paper City Regatta in September.
• Received $2,500 from the Women’s Sports Foundation to support the peer-to-peer program,“Catch the Drive.” NRRA was one of only 20 programs selected for this competitive grant.
• Gave over $50,000 in scholarships to youth rowers through the Matthew Zucker Memorial Scholarship Fund |
• Expand science and rowing-based after school programs in all five local middle schools.
• Double number of program participants in both Catch the Drive and Rowing Strong, Rowing Together.
• Increase community awareness of NRRA’s outreach programs and the accessibility of rowing in our area.
• Raise more than $50,000 in scholarship dollars to support the growing demands on the Matthew Zucker Memorial Scholarship Fund.
• Support NRRA’s Capital Campaign efforts towards the completion of a permanent boathouse. |
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Brian Ambrette
203-866-0080x12
brian at norwalkriverrowing dot org
Current Community Partner Organizations
Family and Children’s Agency
Norwalk After School Alliance
Norwalk Education Foundation
Norwalk Maritime Aquarium
Norwalk YMCA
Row New York
Rowing Strong, Rowing Together
Side-by-Side Community Charter School
YoungLives
Current Funding Sources
Thanks to the following who have financially supported ROAR
in providing after-school programs to low income students of Norwalk:
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Fountainhead Wines
Lillian August
Matthew Zucker Memorial Fund
Norwalk Education Foundation
Norwalk Maritime Aquarium
Rowing Strong, Rowing Together
Stew Leonard's
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
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