Pulling Together Across the Country

Concept2’s Pulling Together program was established in 2020 to support programs that are increasing opportunities in rowing and cross-country skiing to encourage new and diverse athletes. The Pulling Together program supports programs with Concept2 equipment, allowing them to provide opportunities for fitness and health in their communities and beyond. Here, we highlight three organizations that have used Concept2 equipment to increase diversity in the sport of rowing.

The Para Rowing Foundation (PRF), based in Brookline, Massachusetts, is an athlete-centered non-profit. They live by a mission to facilitate a path to competition for all athletes with disabilities around the world. They support organizations and individual athletes by providing equipment, training and grants. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, one such facility, recently received a RowErg with tall legs through PRF. The taller machine not only supports their mission to empower individuals with Parkinson's disease, but also provides the opportunity to row to those with decreased mobility or balance.

North Channel Community Rowing in Evanston, Illinois, brings on water rowing to underrepresented middle schoolers in the area. NCCR supports diversity and access to the sport of rowing, providing its participants with swimming lessons as needed. With the goals of instilling lifelong values, fostering camaraderie, and building discipline, NCCR youth athletes row in four 4xs and 2x with Concept2 sculls.

In Springfield, Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club provides local middle school students with opportunities in health, fitness, and rowing instruction. Students visit the PVRC boathouse during the school day for fun and fitness on the RowErg, followed by a healthy snack and a half-mile walk back to school. They are supported by a dedicated school counselor and a PVRC coach, and the program is growing strong post-pandemic.

If Pulling Together seems like a good fit for your program or you know of another program that might benefit from the Pulling Together program, please fill out our application here or email info@concept2.com.