The Creston Valley Ospreys Rowing Club has been awarded $5,000 by the governing body of Rowing Canada to develop an adaptive rowing program in the community.
Adaptive rowing is a worldwide initiative that provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in rowing. In recent years, adaptive rowing has become one of the fastest growing areas of the sport in Canada. Stable, safe and comfortable boats are now available with specially designed equipment to enable people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy the freedom of rowing. This generous grant will go a long way towards upgrading the club’s facility and equipment to meet adaptive requirements.
Club president Julie Miller worked with the BC Rowing’s adaptive coach to bring this initiative to Creston. She has also developed a liaison with our own Cresteramics, and will be offering the adaptive rowing program to two clients and a staff member from Cresteramics. We look forward to the new members joining us and benefitting from the beautiful environment of the Kootenay River.
For the 2012 season and beyond, the club will continue to grow its masters programs (25-plus years), and to recruit a new batch of junior rowers from Grade 7, as well as inviting students from Prince Charles Secondary School to experience the sport.
As the club settles comfortably into its role as a recreational rowing club, it is appropriate to remember the six Creston enthusiasts who founded this rowing club on Canada’s best rowing river: Rob Armstrong, John Griffioen, Mike Poznikoff, Steven Poznikoff, Mike Ramaradhya and Milan Uremovic. This group had a powerful vision that brought an exceptional opportunity to our community, which has resulted in racing successes in B.C. and in the U.S.A.
PCSS graduate Katrina Tarrant, who has achieved a rowing scholarship to the University of Washington, must also be acknowledged. She was given the introduction and encouragement by former club coach Uremovic, and through her dedication and hard work made the grade. We are sure to hear of her in the future as her talent becomes widely known.
For more information on the Creston Valley Ospreys Rowing Club, email crestonvalleyospreys@gmail.com.
— CRESTON VALLEY OSPREYS ROWING CLUB
