ROWING Geelong members are calling on the local community to help fund a new rowing centre based at the heart of the city’s rowing precinct in a bid to attract a broader cohort of students to the sport.<\/p>\n
Based on the Barwon River in South Geelong, work on the new two-storey, three-bay boat shed commenced in March, but the club requires additional funds to complete the $1.5 million construction.<\/p>\n
Rowing Geelong president Sam Elliott said establishing a new centre for the sport would relieve many of the concerns other schools may have before starting their own rowing programs and reaping the many positives the sport presents.<\/p>\n
“As the ultimate team sport, rowing provides a fantastic platform for kids to build resilience and self-esteem, as well as the fitness and health benefits,” Elliott said.<\/p>\n
The new boat house is to be named after Jeff Sykes, a name well-regarded within the Geelong rowing community due to his successful career at the World Rowing, Rowing Australia and Rowing Victoria Championships.<\/p>\n
Sykes also helped develop row-boat provider Sykes Racing into a world-class brand that sees numerous Australian crews earn medal-placing finishes at all levels.<\/p>\n
“Jeff wants to give back to the sport and community he loves in the hope that Geelong youngsters will experience the great joy rowing has bought him,” Elliott said.<\/p>\n
Because Sykes wants to give back to the Geelong rowing community, the former rower has come on board the project as a substantial founding donor for the centre.<\/p>\n
Once completed, the Jeff Sykes Rowing Centre shall hold a minimum of four schools’ rowing programs at any one time, next to other school sheds occupied by institutions such as Geelong Grammar School and The Geelong College.<\/p>\n
The building will also provide housing for boats with direct access to the river as well as a coaching centre, office, and fully functioning change rooms for teams.<\/p>\n
Donations to the project can be made through the Australian Sports Foundation or contributors may also contact Rowing Geelong to discuss the project further.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ROWING Geelong members are calling on the local community to help fund a new rowing centre based at the heart of the city’s rowing precinct in a bid to attract a broader cohort of students to the sport. Based on the Barwon River in South Geelong, work on the new two-storey, three-bay boat shed commenced […]<\/p>\n