|
|
| Durham
Rowing Club History |
The
Durham Rowing Club was formed in 1988 by a number of rowing enthusiasts
and was incorporated in 1992. The club acquired its first rowing shell
from Tilsonburg Rowing Club in 1990 for $500 and began rowing
operations on McLaughlin Bay in Oshawa.
A high school rowing program was started at Monsignor Paul Dwyer
Catholic High School in 1991. In their first regatta the Dwyer crew
rowed in basketball singlets and were nicknamed the "welfare crew".
Thanks to a Wintario Grant in 1992, the Club acquired two new fours.
In 1993 the Club moved its operations to Port Perry where Lake Scugog
provided a much better rowing venue. Adult Learn to Row sessions were
started in 1995 and this led into an active recreational rowing
program, to supplement the high school and club competitive
programs. The Club took a major leap forward in 1997 when a
permanent boat house was constructed in Rotary Park on land made
available by the Township of Scugog. The Club raised $ 38,000
to purchase the materials for the 40 by 80 foot building but the labour
was donated by local contractors and volunteers. The boat
house was built over two weekends in July and is a living testament to
a true community effort. With a permanent home, the Club
expanded its programs and hired a Summer Program Manager in 1998 and
ran a series of weeklong Youth Rowing Camps.
In 1999, the Durham Rowing Club was awarded an Ontario Trillium Grant
to purchase new rowing shells over a three year period. As part of its
community outreach contribution, the Club initiated an Adaptive Rowing
Program to allow people with special needs to participate in the sport
of rowing. The loan of a T11 recreational four from
ROWONTARIO and the donation of a T7 recreational double from the
Knights of Columbus allowed a growth in adaptive rowing. In
2001, the Club had 20 members in the Adaptive program, representing
over 10 per cent of total membership of 180.
The club entered into a partnership with the University of Ontario
Institute of Technology and the Durham College in 2006 to create a
varsity and recreational rowing program for their students.
The inaugural 2006 season was a great success with the
Varsity-Novice Men's 8 winning two (2) "Gold" medals.
The Club hosts a number of annual events, including the Scugog
Invitational Regatta in mid June, the Icebreaker Tour in early May and
the Scugog Fall Tour in September. The Club also participates
in numerous community events, including mall
displays and the
Dragon Flies Dragon Boat Festival. To Learn
more about
joining the club check out our programs on the left menu, our FAQ
page
or contact
us.
|
|
|
