Rowing P. E. I. obtains two needed racing sculls

One of the key objectives for Rowing P. E. I. this summer was to recruit more youth to the club, with the hopes of fielding a team for the 2013 Canada Games in Sherbrooke, Que., but it needed some new boats.

The association went public with its fundraising campaign in June, looking for sponsors for its new boats.

Jeff Cooke of Cooke Insurance learned about the young rowers and their lack of proper equipment to train for the Games.

He contacted Rowing P. E. I. president Stephen Murray and offered to sponsor the purchase of the two racing sculls, a lightweight double and racing quad, which will allow female rowing hopefuls to train.

The sculls were recently christened by Morrow, who was head coach of Canada’s national women’s rowing team from 1990 to 2005.

Under his leadership, the team won four gold, a silver and three bronze medals at the Olympics.

The female rowers were also winners of seven gold, five silver and six bronze medals at the world championships.

Morrow recently assisted with the silver medal women's eight at the 2012 Olympics.

During his two- day visit to P. E. I., Morrow met with Rowing P. E. I.’ s executive to discuss the development of the sport on the Island and held a two- hour seminar on rowing for the youth and masters members of the club.

Rowing P. E. I. still needs

a heavyweight double scull for the young male rowers.

Also on the club’s wish list are oars, a trailer and more personal flotation devices.

The P. E. I. government is assisting the new rowing club and has supported the high performance training of youth coach Mike Gibson.

Rowing P. E. I. has grown from a handful of masters rowers three years ago to more than 50 members, including a vibrant group of young rowers.