Rowing Australia is pleased to announce the seven clubs that have been chosen to conduct an initial ‘Adopt a School’ pilot program throughout Australia.

Following extensive negotiations with the Australian Sports Commission and the office of the Minister for Sport, RA was pleased to receive funding to conduct this ‘Adopt a School’ pilot program. The aim of the ‘Adopt a School’ program is to increase participation in rowing by engaging a wider range of schools and school athletes in a structured and well-resourced program that is safe and sustainable.

Following an application and review process, RA has made funding allocations for the Adopt a School program to seven clubs supporting a total of 11 school partnerships across six states.

The Adopt a School partnerships that will be conducted in the first year are detailed below:

QLD Mackay R.C.: Mackay North High School
NSW Central Tablelands R.C.: Denison College of Secondary Education Kelso,
& All Saints College Bathurst
ACT Lake Tuggeranong R.C.: Lake Tuggeranong College, Erindale College,
Trinity Christian School, & MacKillop College
VIC Nagambie R.C.: Euroa Secondary College
VIC Shepparton R.C.: Goulburn Valley Grammar School
SA Phoenix R.C.: Ocean View College
TAS North Esk R.C.: Queechy High School
The Adopt a School pilot programs will introduce a large number of new rowers into our sport, including providing opportunities to race in competitions, and will then provide a pathway for the athletes to continue into club rowing – the life blood of our sport.

RA would like to thank the Minister for Sport, the Hon Mark Arbib, and the Australian Sports Commission for supporting this wonderful initiative.