HOLYOKE ROWS INC Information

Holyoke Rows is a non-profit community organization located at Jones Ferry River Access Center along the Connecticut River in Holyoke. Our mission is to provide a wide variety of rowing opportunities to serve as many of our community members as possible. To that end, we coach high school and masters crewteams, offer an adult "learn to row"curriculum, and run an adaptive rowing program for people with disabilities. During the summer we run youth campsto give local children an introduction to kayaking and rowing. We also maintain an active club membership of experienced rowers. Holyoke Rows believes in the positive influence of sports. Sporting activities help to develop discipline, perseverance and commitment and encourage young people to maintain an interest in school. Rowing is a sport that fosters leadership skills and individual confidence, while at the same time teaching that teamworkis necessary in order to be ultimately successful. The team as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Holyoke Rows is committed to the overall preservation of our community. Rowing is an environmentally friendly sport. It is impact free, both to the human body and to nature. The ability to engage multiple populations - youth to seniors, beginners to experienced, able-bodied to those with challenges - helps to strengthen ties within communities. The purity of rowing on the river is the perfect combination of physical energy and mental focus, of athletics and aesthetics. Holyoke Rows' Mission is to reach beyond the traditional rowing population and bring rowing into the lives of all youth and adults. The benefits and opportunities that rowing offers should be available to any who seek them. We hope that our boathouse can be a welcoming and safe place for everyone to experience personal growth by learning the fundamentals of rowing, the strength of self, and the spirit of teamwork. Nice? It's the ONLY thing, said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leant forward for his stroke. Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING - ...