The GPRF partners with Concept2 to grow and diversify the sport of rowing in communities across the U.S.
March 02, 2023 - Seattle, WA - The George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF) has today announced an official partnership with the global leader in the rowing equipment industry, Concept2, Inc., to expand access to rowing to students throughout the United States through the GPRF’s Erg Ed® program. Concept2’s commitment of funds and equipment to this effort will allow Erg Ed® to expand to six new locations over the next three years, with opportunities for new programs to apply for funding opening in April.
Erg Ed® is a classroom-based indoor rowing education program that teaches school-aged students the fundamentals of rowing on Concept2 RowErg machines. Originally launched in 2010 by the GPRF, the Erg Ed® program currently operates in 18 cities in 9 different states, reaching 40,000 students annually. Through Erg Ed®, students use rowing to learn essential life skills such as fitness, goal setting, and teamwork.
“The Erg Ed® program represents a large-scale, systemic change in how young people of all backgrounds access and experience the sport of rowing. In each school district, students learn the basics on the same equipment they’d encounter in their local rowing program, so that they come into a new environment confident and comfortable,” said Jon Campaña, Director of Rowing Programs at the GPRF. “We are so excited to partner with Concept2 to expand our reach.”
With the support of Concept2, the GPRF will fund two new Erg Ed® sites each year, supporting these locations with 20 Concept2 RowErgs, the Erg Ed® curriculum, and teacher training for their school district.
“Without a national partner, Erg Ed®’s ability to expand has been on hold since 2019. When we approached Concept2 about joining our efforts to expand our reach, they were immediately enthusiastic. With Concept2’s ongoing support, we can ensure that more young people are exposed to the sport through a PE class, just like one might be exposed to basketball or soccer,” said Jenn Gibbons, Executive Director for the GPRF.
“Rowing is a great fitness option for kids because it suits all sizes and ages. It's also a lifelong sport that empowers kids for a lifetime of fitness. In addition, it opens the door to opportunities for rowing on water in high school, college, or beyond. We're excited to partner with GPRF's Erg Ed® program to expand access to new communities,” shared Judy Geer, Concept2 co-owner.
Grant applications for this initiative open on April 3, 2023 to school districts and boathouses in the United States. Applications will be closed on April 28, 2023.
About the George Pocock Rowing Foundation
Since its inception in 1984, The George Pocock Foundation (GPRF) has been focused on supporting and growing the sport of rowing in the Seattle area and the greater Pacific Northwest. As a leader in the sport, the GPRF works to help young people access and experience the life-changing sport of rowing, regardless of background or circumstance.
About Concept2
Founded in 1976 by rowers Peter and Dick Dreissigacker, Concept2 designs, manufactures, and sells oars for on-water rowing, as well as the RowErgs, the SkiErgs, and the BikeErgs for indoor training. Concept2 promotes and encourages the growth of rowing, both indoors and outdoors, and believes that rowing is a lifelong activity accessible to all.
Contact Jon Campaña, George Pocock Rowing Foundation Director of Rowing Programs, jon@pocockfoundation.org, 206-432-9138.
Erg Ed® is a classroom-based indoor rowing education program that teaches school-age students the fundamentals of rowing and how to properly use a rowing machine.
