The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City will launch a rowing program this summer, including swimming lessons to prepare for safety on the water.
The free program will begin with lessons at the Jewish Community Center in Margate, to help would-be rowers pass a mandatory swimming test before they start rowing.
“We live on an island and are surrounded by recreational aquatic activities,” said Boys and Girls 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.”
Then things will move to Viking Boathouse in Ventnor, where local rowing coaches Brian Duffey and Alan Staller
The U.S. Indoor Rowing Association Convention in Atlantic City gave former Sen. William Gormley the idea to start this program.
He saw the potential in the sport and gaps in opportunities for Atlantic City youth to learn and compete in crew, according to a news release from the Boys and Girls Club.
Gormley, and his wife, Ginny, along with Lee and Sandy Levine provided the seed money to debut the program.
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind will buy ergometers — indoor rowing machines — for the club, along with supporting future rowing and recruitment events.
Duffey and Staller were active in helping Gormley bring the convention that sparked the new program to Atlantic City. Now, they will offer their coaching services to the new rowers at the Holland Boathouse.
City Council will formally announces its support of the new program at Wednesday's meetng.
Council President Aaron "Sporty" Randolph invited Boys and Girls Club representatives to the meeting, where they will explain its significance.
“Every advantage that exists for our kids – we are grateful to receive," council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz said. "The city of Atlantic City thanks the Boys and Girls Club for making this program happen.”
For more information about the Boys and Girls Club, go online at www.acbgc.org or email info@acbgc.org.
