Row New York is piloting an exciting new project in cooperation with New York City public schools: a school-based Indoor Rowing Program for middle school girls facilitated by our full-time Director of Middle School Programs Jennie Trayes. We envision using the Indoor Rowing Program as a winter gym unit for students at overcrowded public schools where limited staffing and facilities inhibit meaningful participation in other sports programs or fitness activities.
The program kicked off in December 2010, serving 997 students in a one-week intensive course at Leonardo Da Vinci Intermediate School 61 in Corona, Queens. Not coincidentally, Corona tops the list of New York City neighborhoods with the highest incidence of child obesity, with over 50% of pre-high school youth either obese or overweight. As a low-impact activity that provides a cardiovascular workout, easy tracking of individual progress, and the opportunity for friendly competition, indoor rowing is the perfect sport for obese or overweight youth, and Row New York is pleased to be serving under-resourced neighborhoods in Queens where the need for this service is especially great.
Row New York’s Indoor Rowing Program has been made possible by start-up funds from our dedicated supporter Gary Goldring, along with a donation of discounted, refurbished ergs from the University of Pennsylvania rowing program. Our sincerest thanks for their generous support.
