DALLAS UNITED CREW AND BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS LONE STAR ANNOUNCE
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PILOT PROGRAM TO INTRODUCE ROWING TO LOCAL CHILDREN
Teamwork and Leadership Skills Also Key Components Of The Program
Dallas United Crew and Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star announce a first-of-its-kind pilot program to introduce rowing to children throughout the Dallas area who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience this water sport. The pilot program is set to begin May 21 at White Rock Lake. Dallas United Crew is a 501(c) 3 non-profit rowing organization based on White Rock Lake that has programs for all ages and abilities. Big Brother Big Sisters Lone Star is the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in the world.
The new program will allow children who are members of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star and their mentors to take part in events on and off the lake that in addition to rowing will include the development of teamwork and leadership skills. The program also will strive to cultivate a deeper understanding of the relationship between healthy and fitness, and introduce the importance of taking care of the environment with a specific emphasis on how to care for the lake.
The first event is scheduled for May 21, 2016, and is designed for girls ages 6 through 18. Additional events for both boys and girls and their mentors will be scheduled throughout the summer.
“Dallas United is excited to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star for this pilot program,” said John Gartin, Dallas United program director. “We value the opportunity to introduce this multi-faceted sport to those who may not have had the opportunity to explore all that it has to offer and the lasting impact it can have on their lives. On a percentage basis, rowing offers more college scholarships than any other sport with 55% of females and 18% of males who row receiving college scholarships. The opportunity to row in middle school and high school can have lasting effects on both mental and physical health as well as personal well-being.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Dallas United Crew for the opportunity to learn about the unique sport of rowing,” said Michael O'Teter, Chief Program Officer for Big Brother Big Sister Lone Star. “The children will have the ability to experience the sport and see how being physically active can be fun. Through the events our Little Brothers and Little Sisters will learn the mechanics of rowing and experience one of Dallas’ best assets, White Rock Lake. We look forward to the real-world lessons the children will be able to experience, which can’t be taught in a classroom. Our vision is that this pilot program can be shared with our Big Brothers Big Sisters peers across the country, inspiring them to partner with rowing organizations similar to Dallas United Crew.”
For more information about DUC and how to get involved in summer rowing camps, visit www.dallasunitedcrew.org.