Allentown, PA (March 8, 2016) On Friday, March 11, the Allentown School District Physical Education teachers will kickoff a new Rowing Program by participating in an indoor rowing training – Erg Ed™. Erg Ed is a program sponsored by USRowing and the George Pocock Foundation. Approximately 20 teachers will participate in the day-long training which is being held at William Allen High School’s Gym. George Pocock Foundation trainers will lead the rowing curriculum.
Erg Ed is a classroom-based indoor rowing education program which will bring equipment (indoor rowing machines – ergs), technology, and instructors to ASD physical education classes so that teachers and students can access rowing without leaving the classroom. The Erg Ed program teaches students teamwork, exercise intensity and goal setting.
“We’re excited to be able to bring this program to our students and provide them with a unique opportunity to learn about this sport,” stated Ralph Lovelidge, Director of Educational Operations. “The program provides an excellent opportunity for our students to engage in a physical activity that fosters fitness and leadership. Our hope is that some of these students will find their niche in this sport and possibly go on to participate in rowing in the future.”
The goal of Erg Ed is to introduce rowing to underrepresented youth; and increase the visibility and accessibility of rowing as a sport while promoting healthy lifestyles for students. The program will be integrated into the District’s physical education curriculum experience for middle and high school students this year. Through Erg Ed, students learn the basics of rowing, an experience that inspires teamwork, new skill development and fitness. Students also discuss water-safety and learn more about rowing opportunities in their community. Erg Ed’s five core lessons are focused on safe and proper rowing technique; using the performance monitor; workout intensity; goal-setting; and teamwork.
“Using ergs to introduce the sport in urban environments permits greater portability and access,” stated USRowing Chief Executive Officer Glenn Merry. “It expands our boundaries beyond the shoreline and reduces the economic and cultural barriers of entry into rowing. A 2012 research project commissioned by USRowing illustrated that a lack of familiarity with rowing was the major distinguishing factor between urban youth who attempted to row at a local club and those who didn’t. Bringing the erg to the classroom creates a new recognition and precipitates new access opportunities.”
The Allentown School District is able to provide Erg Ed through a $15,000 grant from the George Pocock Rowing Foundation in partnership with USRowing, and a $5,000 matching grant from the Allentown YMCA.
USRowing is a nonprofit membership organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. The George Pocock Rowing Foundation, founded in honor of the life and legacy of George Pocock, operates on the belief that access to the sport and excellence in sport are synergistic values and makes the rowing experience available to diverse populations.
The Allentown YMCA & YWCA (the “Y”) provides a variety of healthy lifestyle programs for the community.
The Allentown Y recently received a $25,000 grant from the Harry C. Trexler Trust to develop an Urban Youth Rowing Program in collaboration with Lehigh University and sponsored summer rowing camps for Allentown youth. The Y’s funding of this program is an extension of their commitment to supporting this sport and the students of the Allentown School District.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 16,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2015-2016, serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
