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The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City (BGCAC) will be launching a Rowing Program for Summer 2023 to train potential athletes and offer exposure to Rowing as a competitive sport.
The program, which will be free of charge, will focus on two key components: swimming instruction and rowing skills.
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Participants will begin the program with swimming lessons at the Jewish Community Center to ensure that rowers can pass a mandatory swim test before they can begin training on the water.
“We live on an island and are surrounded by recreational aquatic activities,” said BGCAC Chief Strategy Officer Brian little. “Let’s get our kids out on the water to expose them to this competitive sport and new college recruitment opportunities.”
Once the kids are qualified for water safety, they will hit the water with Viking Rowing Club in Ventnor, run by Alan Staller and Brian Duffey, both veteran rowers and advocates of the sport. Their team will work to grow Atlantic City youth to their full potential of athleticism in the boats and in the discipline of the sport.
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The Rowing Program is the brainchild of Senator William Gormley, who, in helping to bring the February US Indoor Rowing Association Convention to Atlantic City, saw the potential in the sport and gaps in opportunities for Atlantic City youth to learn and compete in crew.
The Senator, his wife, Ginny, and the Levine Family (Lee and Sandy) decided to grant the seed money for the Boys and Girls Club to bring rowing to life at the Club.
In addition, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind will be purchasing indoor ergs (ergometer or “erg” for short) for the Club and supporting future rowing and recruitment events for
BGCAC.
The Rowing Program is receiving support from the City of Atlantic City. Council President Aaron Randolph and Vice-President Kaleem Shabazz had initially been in discussion with Gormley and Levine to acknowledge and thank them for the impact of the Rowing Convention and its success within the city.
That conversation continued with Council’s support of BGCAC in offering the new Rowing Program. Councilman Shabazz shared that “every advantage that exists for our kids – we are grateful to receive.
The City of Atlantic City thanks the Boys and Girls Club for making this program happen.” Council President Randolph has invited BGCAC representatives to the monthly Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 22 at 5:00 pm to formally announce their support of the Rowing Program and explain its significance in the community.
The meeting will be held in City Hall Council Chambers (2nd Floor) located at 1301 Bacharach Blvd. and all who support the program or would like to learn more, are encouraged to attend.
The BGCAC provides resources for the development of youth and their families, from all backgrounds, to realize their full potential. BGCAC serves as the beacon of hope for Atlantic City residents and serves as the scaffolding for families to climb, ensuring and empowering our Club Kids to engage the world with a greater purpose through exploration and
opportunity.
For more information, please visit www.acbgc.org or email info@acbgc.org