THE Armidale Rowing Club is gaining momentum, attracting more locals to the sport through its Learn to Row program, which has been boosted recently with a $5850 grant from the NSW Sport and Recreation Participation program.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who secured the funding for the club, visited Malpas Dam earlier this month to meet some of the participants who were competing in a Picnic Regatta, the club’s final Learn to Row session of the summer season.
“The Armidale Rowing Club is currently celebrating its 25th year and last year they decided to launch an awareness campaign to boost their numbers,” Mr Marshall said.
“They had a great response to that campaign – their Learn to Row sessions have been very popular and to cope with the increased demand the club secured additional boats and oars.
“I was pleased to support their application and glad to see the funding allocated to such a worthy project.”
Armidale Rowing Club president John Grant said his members appreciated the strong support given by Mr Marshall to their application
“We’ve run three Learn to Row programs this summer, attracting 32 new participants, varying in ages from 15 to 50 years, so it’s certainly been a worthwhile project,” Mr Grant said.
“The interest and response to rowing in the district has been overwhelming – we were also delighted to have so many students from PLC at the regatta today and there was a great turnout from the graduates of the Sunday Learn to Row program.
“The day has been a lot of fun for everyone – there were six crews in quad sculls, fours and a double scull, all hotly contesting the 500m course.”
Mr Grant said the funding would also be used to broaden the club’s existing small coaching base.
“We will be encouraging current and potential members to gain their coaching accreditation – with our growing numbers, this will be a great bonus,” he said.
