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Speaking at the opening, Mr Sykes said the centre\u2019s statement of purpose was effectively for \u201cGeelong school students to practice the art of rowing and to do rowing, provided they don\u2019t have a boat shed of their own\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew the centre was necessary because of the way rowing\u2019s gone here in Victoria, and all around Australia and probably around the world; it\u2019s become very school-based.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said Australia\u2019s rowing teams were historically mostly made up of students from private schools, but the centre would give all students the chance to row.<\/p>\n
Mr Elliott said Rowing Geelong was humbled by the generosity of the financial and in-kind donors that enabled the centre to be built without any government funding support.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we set out to fundraise for the centre, not in our wildest dreams did we expect the community to donate like they have.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very grateful for their contributions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must also thank our construction partners, Spence Constructions for creating such an incredible facility to such a high standard and finish.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven with the challenges around COVID-19 restrictions and supply shortages in the construction industry, Spence Constructions were still able to handover the centre prior to the start of the rowing season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although the facility is completed, Rowing Geelong is still seeking additional funds to fully fit out the coaching room, office, social and meeting areas, and kitchen.
\nDonations to the project can be made through the Australian Sports Foundation or by emailing Mr Elliott at president@rowinggeelong.asn.auhas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ROWING Geelong has celebrated the completion of its new community-funded rowing centre, with the facility\u2019s namesake on hand to officially open it on Friday last week. The Jeff Sykes Rowing Centre replaces a much smaller boat shed on the same site on the northern bank of the Barwon River, and provides school students from the […]<\/p>\n