In 2024, Rowing Canada Aviron’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) funding brought rowing to thousands of Canadians who might never have experienced the sport otherwise. Through the combined efforts of over 39 rowing clubs nationwide, a remarkable 4,145 participants picked up an oar for the first time this year. From coastal towns to urban centres, CSAI programming created affordable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for equity-deserving groups, helping clubs strengthen community ties while building a more diverse and welcoming rowing culture.

CSAI programming is designed with purpose: to remove barriers, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone—regardless of background or skill level—can explore the sport of rowing. Clubs deliver programs at little to no cost to participants, emphasizing fun, teamwork, and learning. Partnerships with local organizations help ensure participants feel welcomed and supported every step of the way.

Empowering Equity-Deserving Groups

At the St. Catharines Rowing Club, the CSAI program partnered with TOES Niagara, an organization dedicated to supporting Blackwomen and youth. Reflecting on the impact of the program, Nyarai Kapisavanhu, Executive Director of TOES Niagara, shared:

“Trying rowing for the first time fostered resilience, teamwork, and confidence in our ‘What they see is what they will BE’ mentees. Exploring a space they once thought was closed off to them allowed these young people to witness and experience barriers being removed through the power of networks, allyship, and opportunity.”

At the Ottawa Rowing Club, CSAI funding has expanded the reach of their “Everybody Rows Ottawa” program, which introduces rowing to Black participants, Newcomers to Canada, and individuals from low-income backgrounds. To date, the program has supported over 700 underserved individuals. Reflecting on the transformative impact of the initiative, one participant shared:

“Rowing has opened a door for me to feel connected and confident in a new community.”

Creating Safe Spaces for Women and 2SLGBTQIIA+ Individuals

The Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club focused on creating women-only sessions, providing a safe space for participants to build confidence and skills. Participants highlighted the supportive environment, flexible scheduling, and mentorship opportunities, which played a pivotal role in their experience. One participant noted:

“Joining the club’s women-only sessions was a game-changer for me. I was nervous about trying a new sport, but the camaraderie and encouragement made me feel at home.”

The Regina Rowing Club created a Learn to Row program in collaboration with Queen City Pride, offering 2SLGBTQIIA+ participants a safe and inclusive space to explore the sport. Participants learned to row in stable coastal boats purchased with grant funding, building their skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

One participant expressed their gratitude for the program’s welcoming culture:

“Much love to the club for making space for queer folk like me. The allyship is so important to me because I know I can show up and be my authentic self without fear.”

Looking ahead, the Regina Rowing Club plans to continue this partnership, further solidifying its commitment to inclusivity and representation within the rowing community.

Supporting Youth and Low-Income Communities

The Knowlton Rowing Club in Quebec broke barriers by offering free programming to underserved children, many from low-income families. With local youth leading as coaches, the program bridged generational gaps and created lasting connections. Club leader Robert Paterson noted:

“We enable the poorest children in our community to experience rowing and, for some, to join the sport properly and become fine rowers.”

Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum

From coast to coast, CSAI programming in 2024 underscored the power of sport to unite communities and create opportunities for all Canadians. By reducing barriers—be they financial, cultural, mental, or physical—rowing clubs have taken meaningful steps toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse sport environment.

One participant beautifully summarized their experience and the impact of the program:

“Rowing is the perfect metaphor for life: it’s about teamwork, rhythm, and trusting the journey. Every stroke may be tough, but with each pull, you find strength you didn’t know you had and move closer to where you want to be.”

While there is still much work to be done, these programs represent an important step. They are part of a broader effort to ensure that rowing continues to grow into a stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive sport. As we look to 2025, there’s a clear opportunity to build on this momentum and keep moving the sport forward.