Community Rowing Is Hosting an Event for Para-Rowers

Kevin DuBois and Rob Baez, both military veterans, take to the Charles River in CRI’s para-rowing program on May 7, 2014. Photo provided

Although the Head of the Charles Regatta may get all the press, the Paralympic Regatta, a para-rowing competition for people with physical disabilities, takes place the same weekend. In order to support the development and advancement of para-rowing competitions like this, Community Rowing Inc. (CRI), a nonprofit that makes rowing available to the public, teamed up with Resolute Racing Shells, a company that makes rowing equipment, to host a fundraising event the event of October 15 to benefit the CRI’s para-program.”

The upcoming event will teach the public about the sport of para-rowing and raise funds for new para-racing boats, called racing shells. CRI currently uses the same racing shells for both their able-bodied and disabled members. Misha Joukowsky, the owner of Resolute Racing Shells, saw this event as a way to help CRI raise funds to get para-racing shells in the water for their physically disabled members.

“The event is for anyone to come and learn,” says Bruce Smith, executive director of CRI. “We wanted to teach people about the para-rowing community with a fun event. It’s just a place to meet with people in the para-rowing community and learn about their lives.”

At the event, guests will take a tour of the CRI facility and hear from Paralympic rower Moran Samuel and para-athlete filmmaker Zach Bastion. Attendees will also see a screening of Endless Abilities, a film about four friends who drove across the country in search of para-sports. After the screening, the filmmakers will take part in a Q&A with the audience.

“Resolute and CRI both share the same commitment to Para-rowers and the development of equipment that meets their needs,” Joukowsky says.

October 15; 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; 20 Nonantum Road, Brighton. RSVP required.