This year is finally (almost) over! Although 2020 was full of unprecedented obstacles, we’ve shared some incredible moments. Our entire Row New York community pulled together to push ahead with resourcefulness, kindness, strength and commitment.
We couldn’t have accomplished this without the relentless hard work of our athletes, coaches, educators, social workers, staff, alumni, and supporters! Thank you!
10. We Powered Through
Our Fall Benefit went virtual and honored Anita DeFrantz, Cameron Winklevoss, and Tyler Winklevoss
This year the Row New York community heard stories from athletes Cianna Fullerton and Cameron Lovelady, celebrated our Class of 2021, and honored Olympians Anita DeFrantz, Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss from our couches.
9. Row New York Student-athletes Explored Social Justice Movements as a team
An essential part of American history
During our summer academics program, our student-athletes explored social justice movements including Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, immigrant rights and policy, and LGBTQIA+ Rights. Check out their final projects.
8. Rowing in Color was born!
The podcast Rowing In Color gives rowers of color a platform
Denise Aquino (former Director of Community Rowing at Row NY) and Patricia Destine (Row New York alumna and current coach) founded the podcast Rowing In Color, which saw widespread popularity throughout the rowing community. The groundbreaking podcast has featured a number of Row New Yorkers including board member Francine Chew, adaptive athlete Katherine Valdez, staff member Joanne Victorio, and alumni Char Rendon. We’re so excited that this platform is growing so quickly and amplifying the diverse stories of American rowers. Listen now
7. Amanda Kraus became the CEO of USRowing
Our founder looks to increase inclusion in our sport—nationally.
Since founding Row New York in 2002, Amanda has been committed to making our sport more diverse and inclusive. She is now bringing her mission to USRowing, and our Executive Director Rachel Cytron is steering our work into the next decade. Click here for the announcement from Amanda.
6. A Most Beautiful Thing hit the screen
Movie premiere and behind-the-scenes chat
Mary Mazzio’s documentary based on Arshay Cooper’s memoir by the same name chronicling the country’s first all black high school rowing team premiered in the spring and our community got early access. The screening was followed by an inspiring talkback with Arshay Cooper and Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love.
5. We raced virtually with hundreds of Row New Yorkers
Together, apart
Hundreds of athletes from all over the country (and around the world!) joined us for a virtual Harlem River Challenge and a virtual Jingle Mingle. It was inspiring to see so many new Row New Yorkers race and raise funds to support our programs.
4. Our Youth Leadership Team named boats
After consulting with teammates, Row New York’s youth leadership chose six new boat names
Rowing in Color. A Most Beautiful Thing. Sí Se Puede. Justice. Black Lives Matter. Say Their Names. Naming boats is one of the highest honors in our sport, and we are looking forward to proudly rowing these boats down the racecourse.
3. We stuck with it
Studying and rowing from home
Rowers don’t quit. When New York City imposed stay-at-home rules, our athletes were determined to keep learning and training. Our coaches quickly redesigned our programs and delivered MANY sterilized ergs and laptops, ensuring our athletes could continue working towards their goals. Since then, we’ve continued to provide programming and resources, and our athletes continue to work hard. See how we rowed from home.
2. All 24 members of the class of 2020 received college acceptances
And our class of 2021 has already received some college acceptance letters
The class of 2020 graduated high school and went on to college. We’re so incredibly proud of their accomplishment, which represents YEARS of hard work. Now, we’re offering them academic and professional development resources, and we’re about halfway through the college application process for our class of 2021!
1. We got back on the water!
After months of virtual training and careful planning, we rowed
Row New York coaches and athletes hit the water (safely, of course!) and the joy was obvious— even under our masks. Our incredibly committed athletes made every effort to come to each practice, even if they had to travel for hours.
