Two of America’s best known rowing events, The Head Of The Charles (HOCR) and The Gold Cup, have joined forces to bring about positive change in the sport of rowing. They say the initiative will provide financial support for organisations committed to building and sustaining diversity in the sport.

In a post made on their website today, HOCR said: “We want to champion our sports Black athletes, coaches, referees, and volunteers as we help create a more representative and inclusive future in the sport.”

“We know that the sport of rowing has been seen as exclusive and containing significant barriers to diversity and inclusion. To create long lasting change, we clearly need to start removing those barriers. With this partnership, we hope to begin the process of making ourselves more welcome and accessible. And, we are encouraging others within the rowing community to join us, both on the water and in our communities.”

The joint program of support will target rowing organizations that are committed to building and sustaining diversity and inclusion in rowing, with a particular emphasis on programs and communities that have been lacking support and resources.

HOCR and The Gold Cup say programs that are actively committed to the long-term work of supporting youth, families, and the wider community, in under-resourced areas, can help build skills that can be used both on and off the water.

It is anticipated that they will award grants to between four and ten programs in the first year. Each grant is expected to range from $5k – $20k USD, depending on the needs of the individual programs.

Applications for the annual program will open this Friday, July 3^rd. They will be reviewed by an assembled grant review committee “comprised mostly of BIPOC in the rowing community.”

To learn more, head to hocr.org.