Eric the Red Rowing League for Kids is a partnership of Toronto groups working together to bring an amazing opportunity to the inner city youth. Through various capacities our partners continue to make rowing accessible by donating the boats and water time, generating funds to supply coaches and snacks, and creating awareness by using their own presence in the community.
Objectives
To encourage and increase youth participation in rowing.
To ensure a safe and positive playing environment for all participants.
To instill life-long values of teamwork, dedication and a superior work ethic in the classroom and in the water.
Positive Experiences
Eric the Red programs have no tryouts or cutting of rowers.
Everyone participates under mandatory rules of play.
Learning to work with others in a positive atmosphere
Safe Playing Environment
Players are matched by age and height levels.
There are strict mandatory equipment requirements.
Rowers learn water safety, understanding of weather conditions and the importance of hydration and proper nutrition
Program Expectations
We expect that the performance of the program participants will improve in many areas. These include:
a) Development of independence. Self-confidence is fostered through the mastery of skills. With rowing, there is more emphasis testing one’s own limits than in competing with others.
b) Development of self-discipline. Participation in the club requires an expenditure of time and effort; regular attendance at practices and club functions; and maintenance of school schedule and grades.
c) Intellectual stimulation. There is a lot to learn and remember in this activity. One’s capabilities are challenged intellectually, socially, and physically.
d) Responsible behavior. Following coaching instructions, practicing safety and self-control, obeying the rules and procedures and caring for equipment are some of the ways in which such responsibility is learned.
e) Appreciation of team participation. The experiences of club membership as well as the unique demands of the sport itself provide many opportunities to learn team participation. The team wins and loses together.
f) Increased physical strength, coordination, alertness, balance, body control, and cardiovascular fitness. Rowing is said to involve more muscle groups than any other sport. It is second only to cross-country skiing in terms of aerobic activity, and it is non-abusive to skeletal joints. School physical education programs are being eliminated and obesity plagues many young people.
g) Enhancement of social skills and group interaction. Sportsmanship, leadership, respect for others, and especially cooperation, are facilitated by participation in the sport, with adult leaders, and with peers.
The program strives to create positive experiences and fulfilling relationships for each rower. A sense of positive self-esteem is regarded as the most important trait to be developed within each young person.
