Hello world,
as you have surely heard by now, New York City is facing a serious outbreak of COVID-19. Our local government has recommended social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of disease. Since March 12th, in-person programming, in-office work, and events at Row New York have been canceled.
We have not stopped.
Row New York is doing all we can to support our athletes and staff during these tough times. Our rowers are still studying and training. Our staff is still coaching, tutoring and fundraising. We are still doing our best to provide any resources our athletes need to keep working towards achieving their personal, academic, and athletic goals.
We’re keeping up our training. Because that’s what rowers do.
Prioritizing mental health and wellness
These are uncertain times, which can be stressful and anxiety-inducing for all. To ensure that our young people feel supported during this time, we are continuing to provide one-on-one counseling services and referrals to our students and families. Students who would like to check in with Michelle, our Director of Social Work, should contact her at mfalcon@rownewyork.org. To learn more about Michelle and her work with our students, check out her blog here.
Shipping Ergs and laptops
Staff distributed ergs and laptops to our student-athletes to ensure they have the tools they need. The drop-offs were contactless to maximize our students’ and staff members’ safety.
Providing virtual workouts for student-athletes
Our coaches are hosting virtual practices, in addition to providing at-home workout routines for students to practice on their own time. Our coaches will continue to regularly check in with students individually and in small groups.
Coaches are hosting all sorts of fun activities such as a Q&A session with Olympic rowers Meghan O’leary and Ellen Tomek, technique review sessions, stretching workshops, motivation workshops, yoga classes, and weekly challenges.
Coaches are sharing free resources from around the web such as these USRowing webinars, yoga instructions, and rowing technique videos.
Making sure class is still in session
Row New York’s Academics team is hosting virtual tutoring sessions and group workshops this week. They host academic “office hours” for students to virtually drop in for extra help.
The Academics team is also keeping the students in touch by playing video games with them such as trivia and a virtual stock trading game.
Continued support for college-bound students and alumni
Our college success team is in touch with our seniors and alumni and will soon begin hosting virtual workshops covering everything from financial aid to networking and professional skills. In addition, we will continue to offer intensive support to our high school juniors as they go through the college application process.
Recently, alumni met virtually with current students for a chat named “Finding Rhythm” about balancing school and rowing. This series takes place on the last Wednesday of every month. Upcoming topics include Being a Young Person in 2020, Body Positivity & Healthy Relationships, Independence (Mental, Emotional, Financial), College and Pre-College Summer Programs (Internships and Career).
Virtual upcoming events include a yoga and mindfulness session, a college essay writing workshop, an alumni happy hour and a Youth Leadership Team meeting.
Maintaining community with our adaptive athletes and Veterans
The community staff is checking in with our participants and teachers from the School Day Adaptive program. They are also holding Google Hangouts meetings with participants to maintain a community and stay in touch with each other.
The coaches are meeting with each other and with coaches from other teams to learn how to best support our Adaptive athletes and Veterans.
If you are able, we hope you’ll consider donating to Row New York. Every amount helps us continue to provide services for hundreds of youth, Veterans, and people with disabilities. Donate through Venmo @rownewyork or online at rownewyork.org/donate.
If you would like to host a virtual academic or athletic session with our athletes, please email info@rownewyork.org.
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