Investing in Boston’s Youth Para Athletes

Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI) recently received a generous grant from The Peabody Foundation, Inc. in support of its Youth Para Rowing programs, which will help expand opportunities for Boston’s youth with disabilities to experience the benefits of rowing.

“At CRI, we invite individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience to grow through rowing,” said Ted Benford, Executive Director of CRI. “Our para rowing program is integral to our mission—combining the social and emotional benefits of a cohesive team sport with rowing’s substantial physical health benefits. We are so grateful to The Peabody Foundation, Inc. for its continued support.”

This grant marks the fifth consecutive year of partnership between these organizations. It helps meet a significant need, providing opportunities in Boston and the surrounding areas for young people with disabilities to expand wellness and independence.

“When able-bodied people are the only people considered when it comes to athletic opportunities, it tells disabled athletes that we do not belong,” said Iko Lee, 15, who rows in the teen para class. “That’s why adaptive sports, like the Para Rowing program, are so important. The para program at CRI has allowed me to participate in a sport I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Knowing that there’s staff ready and willing to accommodate me and my needs is really amazing, and shows me and other disabled athletes that we belong.”

CRI was one of the first boathouses in the country to establish a para rowing program—today, nearly ten years later, it is one of the largest programs of its kind, serving 100+ para-athletes each year. It is recognized as a platinum level chapter organization by Move United, the national leader in community adaptive sports.

The funding will help increase access to rowing for youth with disabilities through financial aid and adaptive equipment. The latter is needed by about 15% of para athletes and is fabricated in-house with an experienced workshop team. Adaptive equipment includes adjusted grips on oar handles, custom seats or footboards, supportive straps and backrests, and more. The grant will also support salaries needed to meet its coaching ratio of 1:3, often 1:1 when in smaller boats, to accommodate for the specialized nature of its athletes and ensure safety on the water.

The Para Rowing Program is a signature program of CRI, nonetheless a costly one as well with a budget in excess of $130,000. The math is simple, the work is hard—the only means by which CRI maintains a balanced budget while implementing this approach to service to its community is through generous support from our community and funders. To speak with someone at CRI about its equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts, please feel free to reach Ted Benford, Executive Director, or Shawn Cote, Director of Development.

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Community Rowing Inc. was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides unique opportunities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. We invite individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and experience to grow through rowing.