As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak rapidly evolves in Canada, we as a club are now facing significant and unique challenges. These are difficult times and our top priority is the health and well-being of our members and the Ottawa rowing community. We have been working closely with Rowing Canada (RCA) and RowOnario to ensure we monitor the current status of the pandemic in order to make informed recommendations to our members. Heeding the advice of RCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mike Wilkinson, Rowing Canada recently advised that member clubs postpone upcoming spring regattas and suspend camps, clinics, workshops and club programming for the time being. Furthermore, the under the various emergency directives initiated by the province of Ontario, the National Capital Commission, and the City of Ottawa, the boathouse and all ORC facilities (including event spaces) are closed for the foreseeable future with no rowing activities to take place until further notice. Consequently, members who have equipment in the private singles bay must contact the Head Coach to initiate a request for removal should they wish to do so. Additionally, summer rowing registration is still temporarily suspended and will continue to remain on hold until we can safely re-open the club and offer some sort of modified programming for our members.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned limitations, we hope that our members will continue to support one another in their physical training and continue to collaborate and assist one another as members of the club and a greater rowing community. We encourage all of our member to participate in virtual training, education, and connection opportunities during these challenging times.
The #ORCmovestogether 21-day Challenge wrapped up last week. The challenge saw a different mental or physical challenge posted daily on the club’s social media platforms to support and engage our members during this period of physical distancing. Josie Chan and Katherine Belisle rocked the challenge and have been announced our BIG WINNERS. They will each receive an awesome prize pack with goodies from BioSteel Canada, David’s Tea, Cliff Bar and some ORC swag! Congrats to our winners!
Finally, starting next week on Monday, April 27th, the ORC will be posting weekly workouts for our members on our webpage. There will be workout options for people who have access to ergs and those who have limited access to any training equipment. These workout will be designed for completion by all members regardless of skill level. Check them out and get your sweat on!
Keep your eye’s peeled for more challenges and links from the Ottawa Rowing Club on Twitter (@OttawaRowing), Instagram (@OttawaRowingClub) and Facebook to get involved, stay active, and remain connected with the ORC community.
As we continue to monitor the situation at hand and gain more insight, we will continue to share more details and regular updates via the club’s webpage and social media channels. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water soon.
Stay safe everyone,
Zak Lewis
Head Coach
Ottawa Rowing Club
zak@ottawarowingclub.com
www.facebook.com/OttawaRowing
www.twitter.com/ottawarowing
www.instagram.com/ottawarowingclub
Club: 613-241-1120