Dayton home to nations first Community Olympic Development Program for rowing
Five Rivers MetroParks announced today an agreement that designates Dayton Regional Rowing a Community Olympic Development Program.
Dayton home to nations first Community Olympic Development Program for rowing
Five Rivers MetroParks announced today an agreement with the United States Olympic Committee and USRowing that designates Dayton Regional Rowing a Community Olympic Development Program (CODP). Dayton Regional Rowing is a new partnership between Five Rivers MetroParks, the Dayton Boat Club and Greater Dayton Rowing Association.
“This local and national collaboration is another example of how collective efforts can make great things happen in communities,” Five Rivers MetroParks Executive Director Becky Benná said. “The CODP designation elevates the sport of rowing in the region and across the country as the nation’s first CODP for the sport of rowing.
Dayton Regional Rowing is the only USOC and USRowing sanctioned CODP for rowing in the nation and one of only 12 CODPs in the nation.
“The USOC is delighted to announce our new partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks to expand youth sport opportunities,” said Alicia McConnell, USOC director of training sites and community partnerships. “The Dayton community continues to show their commitment to supporting healthy and active lifestyles for their citizens, which is in line with the values and mission of the USOC.”
The mission of the newly formed Dayton Regional Rowing is to provide lifelong personal development and active lifestyles for Miami Valley youth through the sport of rowing, as well as to enhance high-quality intermediate programs for youth to maximize their potential in the Olympic sport of rowing.
Glenn Merry, CEO of USRowing said they are excited to amplify the work being done in Dayton, driving rowing growth in the region and strengthening critical constructs, such as referee and coaching development. “This is a great opportunity to leverage the value the USOC and USRowing affiliation can bring to the local level,” Merry said.
Beginning in 2012, Five Rivers MetroParks led the effort to establish a USOC-designated CODP to enhance opportunities for youth to connect with nature through Dayton’s rivers. This leadership included bringing together the efforts of the region’s two rowing clubs, the Dayton Boat Club and Greater Dayton Rowing Association.
Jim Wall, president of the Greater Dayton Rowing Association said the recognition represents "a huge achievement for the Dayton region and the sport of rowing”.
The Dayton Regional Rowing CODP will collaborate with the USOC and USRowing to offer a community-based rowing program. This program will build partnerships and leverage USOC and USRowing resources to help athletes develop their performance, thus enhancing the Olympic sports feeder system in Dayton. Dayton Regional Rowing’s initial goals include hosting coach and referee trainings, creating a clear pathway of athlete development, and increasing participation and improving performance in youth rowing.
“We are eager to begin this exciting collaboration between Dayton Regional Rowing, USRowing and the USOC,” said Mike Miles, Dayton Boat Club head coach. “I expect we will see Dayton rowers competing at the Olympic Games before too long.”
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