GUELPH – Last year brought both big wins and losses to the Guelph Rowing Club (GRC). Now, the club is preparing for a busy spring and summer on Guelph Lake, including its Try Rowing Day.
Taking place at the GRC’s boathouse in the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, this free event on May 10 is an opportunity for interested community members to try rowing and to learn about the club’s events and programs.
“Last year was a big year for the Guelph Rowing Club—on and off the water,” said Odette Ziezold, the club’s director of development. “Rowers from the club brought home eight provincial medals at the Row Ontario Championships. We also sent 18 crews to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, a prestigious, national competition.
“Thanks to a trillium grant, we were able to offer a rowing summer camp last summer, which we are excited to bring back this summer,” continued Ziezold.
“Rowing is a sport you can do at any age. We have club members in their 70’s who still come down to the lake. This youth program is a chance for pre-teens and teens to get started in a sport they can for the rest of their lives.”
The club also celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking more than two decades of fostering a love of rowing in members of the Guelph community and surrounding area.
Upcoming events include:
– Try Rowing Day on May 10 at 9 to 11am;
– Adult Learn to Row Program on June 2, various dates and times;
– Junior Gryphons Learn to Row Program starting July 7, ages 11 to 14 from 8:30am to 12pm and ages 14 to 17 from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
The club also offers high school, competitive and recreational programs.
