Philadelphia City Rowing (PCR) will compete on the national stage as the only group representing Philadelphia public school students when they compete in this year's Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.
For decades, young people from Philadelphia have missed out on the benefits rowing can provide in terms of academic support, college exploration, access to nature, and connections to an expanded network of caring adults. Founded in 2009, PCR was born from the belief that no young person should miss out on opportunities to build a successful future simply because of where they come from. By removing barriers such as cost and providing participants with additional support like academic mentorship and wellness education, PCR broadens access to the sport of rowing and has helped thousands of young people learn, thrive, and grow. Each year, PCR is proud to serve 350 young people from more than 40 different public schools across all of their programs.
Established in 1970, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is widely recognized for showcasing both high-caliber crews and those new to the sport, welcoming more than 8,000 athletes to compete on the 2.5-mile scenic course. This year, PCR will have four boats racing, featuring 28 kids representing nine different schools in the district.
"Head of the Schuylkill's mission is to provide an inclusive and welcoming regatta for anyone who wants to row," said Ellen Carver, HOS Board President. "We are proud supporters of PCR and are pleased they will be participating this weekend, where they will have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the best rowers in the country and experience the overwhelmingly positive effect rowing has on so many in the community."
The Regatta comes on the heels of PCR's recently announced rebrand that markets PCR as the only youth development organization in Philadelphia to offer FREE, comprehensive rowing programs that combine academic support, mentorship, team-building, and wellness education. By keeping its programming free, PCR is working to create a more diverse, equitable, and accessible environment for all young people to define and build their future.
"The School District of Philadelphia is thrilled to have so many of our students from our member schools competing in the regatta this weekend," said James Lynch, Ed.D., Executive Director of Athletics at the School District of Philadelphia. "Through our longstanding partnership with Philadelphia City Rowing, district students not only get to compete against the top high school rowers in the nation, they also have access to academic support, college prep resources, resilience building workshops, nature, and more."
PCR is also gearing up for its annual fundraising campaign, set to kick off on November 7th, where it will appeal to members of the community in raising funds that work to keep their programming free to students in the district. For more information on how to get involved or support PCR, contact Caitlin Mance, Executive Director at caitilin@philadelphiacityrowing.org.