ROWING: Area rowing group raising funds for improved racing shell

Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 9, 2017

PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association has created a GoFundMe page at tinyurl.com/PDN-OPRAGoFundMe in order to raise funds to purchase a new youth rowing shell for the rowing program.

The young organization has seen a tremendous increase in membership in the last year for its recreational and competitive teams.

Due to the increased levels of participation, the organization needs additional equipment to meet the needs of our growing program. Currently, rowers are using equipment between 35 and 65 years old, and there are not enough boats to accommodate rowers during practice sessions.

The association wants to purchase a more modern racing shell that would allow team members to compete with other racing outfits around the Pacific Northwest.

This is a used racing shell that has seen little time on the water and is still in good shape.

A brand-new modern racing shell would cost upwards of $20,000.

The shell targeted for purchase by the association costs $6,000 and would be a perfect fit for the group’s dedicated rowers.

A $2,000 donation toward the purchase price came from the association’s board, leaving OPRA members with $4,000 more to raise.

Donations also are accepted by mailing: Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association, PO Box 814, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

For more information, visit www.oprarowing.org.